Wednesday August 12, 2026

Matthew 18:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If your brother does something wrong, go and have it out with him alone, between your two selves.

One may wonder what was going on in the early church or among the followers of Our Lord when this narrative was written. Maybe folks were too quick to sue each other without making an effort to settle differences. Jesus or the author of this narrative asks his readers if they have made an effort at all.

Truth be told I think we shut down too quickly sometimes. Recently I have said that I am exhausted from dealing with the same family drama and for my peace of mind I have raised my hands and walked away saying “to each their own..” Scripture however reminds us that the bonds that bind us together should not be broken so easily. Make every effort to talk it out!!!

I am reminded of a mother who never gives up on their child. This mother keeps trying to talk to someone who has let an addiction take over. Again and again she reaches out. Yes sometimes it is hard to watch but maybe God is also saying through this mother-child tie that this relationship is too important to let it be destroyed by not talking. Today let us pray for those in our midst who are at the brink of destroying a beautiful relationship. Let us pray that they “reach” each other and fix things.