St Mary Magdalene Parish issued the following announcement on Sept. 6

A plane with 4 passengers aboard is about to crash. The passengers are Teacher, Doctor, lawyer and a 10-year-old school boy. There are only 3 parachutes - the Teacher says he needs to teach many students so he grabs a chute and jumps. Lawyer shouts he has the greatest brain in the world and grabs one and jumps. Doctor tells the school boy to take the last chute because he’s had a good life and wants the boy to live. The boy says “it’s okay, there are still 2 chutes left - the man with the greatest brain in the world took my backpack.

This week being a labor day weekend, I wish everyone who works for the country a happy labor Day. We are all in the midst of Covid -19. The whole world is suffering with it. I read a news that North Korea has ordered a shoot at site order in the Chinese border to prevent the spread of the virus. All over the issue has become more complicated in all levels. There are so many stories created after this virus. The countries fight among themselves to how to control this virus. Today the world has become different.

Today’s readings give us a solution to all our vengeance, arrogance, hatred and pride; Forgiveness! Yes, Forgiveness is a virtue which embraces love and encompasses support. Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself.

In the first reading, God says to Ezekiel to be the watchman over the house of Israel. He gave the power to protect them and speak for God.

In the second reading, St. Paul talks about loving one another. Because love does no evil to anyone. Christian love entails positive action toward everyone. Here Paul mentions neighbors means the least ones. His inclusive nature of love explains the fulfilment of the law

Jesus in the Gospel today answers the questions of the disciples. Jesus talks about the brotherly or fraternal correction to our neighbor in the community. It has been the tradition in Judaism, but Jesus took one step further to insist the value of forgiveness and unity of heart and mind. I remember the same structure in our places.Why should we correct our brothers and sisters? Each human being has a moral responsibility to take care of the other. We are not created alone. There is a social consciousness in each one. We correct not because they are bad and we are good, but to bring unity among ourselves. That’s why Jesus said, “If on earth two of you are united in asking for anything, it will be granted to you by my heavenly and I am there with them..

Jesus indicates some process of correction among us. 1) one to one. Talk to the person personally. This is a private affair. This is very easy to say but hard to do. We need courage to do that. This will be best method to avoid gossiping. 2) through the supporting nature of the two or three witnesses which will help the person to realize the mistakes more. 3) The community (Church) is to help him to grow in faith and unity. This will create a social consciousness and moral responsibility we have towards another fellow person. Love takes over on everything.

Question for our reflection;

1) How do I react to public news? 

2) How do I react to other person’s behaviors? 

3) Do I own moral responsibility for my neighbor?

Original source can be found here.