Wednesday of the 19th week in ordinary time
Ezekiel 9: 1-7; 10: 18-22 Mathew 18: 15-20
Theme: A Selfless life
Today the church celebrates the memorial of St. Maximillian Kolbe, who was a Franciscan. He is known for the great sacrifice he made in offering his life for that of another man that was chosen for execution. This action of his, is the height of selflessness, not many people can make such a great sacrifice for a man he did not even know. He is also known for his profound veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary and his writings about the Blessed Virgin Mary. As we celebrate this great saint today, it is an invitation to all of us who are Christians in our own time to be humane and deal with one another with charity and love. He had no obligation to give up his own life for a man he did not know, but he willingly did it. His action greatly challenges all of us as we celebrate his memorial today.
In view of this, it is important that we take out time today to reflect on how selfless we are in our dealings with others. Do we treat other people, especially those we do not know with great love and charity, just like St. Maximillian Kolbe whose feast we celebrate today did? We don’t have to give up our life like he did, but there are so many other ways through which we can show love to other people and give them hope and reason to continue to look towards the future without fear and pain. For instance, you occupy a position of authority, do you threat your subordinates with love and respect? Or you treat them with disdain and mistreat them at any slight opportunity? If yes, then today’s celebration is speaking to you directly, retrace your steps and do what is right and pleasing in the sight of God. This is very important, because whatever position of authority you occupy, is simply a gift from God.
In the gospel reading of today, Jesus presents to us the steps we must undertake to bring about reconciliation and forgiveness in our human relationships. It is expected that before we go through the stages, we would have been able to reconcile whatever the difference that is between us. This simply points out the fact that as children of God, we should do that which is good and always pleasing to God. As you do this, may almighty God bless you in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen. Peace be with you.