Gospel: August 12, 2026

August 12, 2026 (Wednesday)

19th Week in Ordinary Time

Psalter: Week 3 (Green/White)

St. Jane Frances de Chantal, religious

Ps 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

The glory of the Lord is higher than the skies.

1st Reading: Ezekiel 9:1-7; 10:18-22*

Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20

If your brother has sinned against you, go and point out the fault to him, when the two of you are alone; and if he listens to you, you have won back your brother. If he doesn’t listen to you, take with you one or two others, so that the case may be decided by the evidence of two or three witnesses. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembled Church. But if he does not listen to the Church, then regard him as a pagan, or a tax collector. I say to you: whatever you bind on earth, heaven will keep bound; and whatever you unbind on earth, heaven will keep unbound. In like manner, I say to you, if, on earth, two of you agree in asking for anything, it will be granted to you by my heavenly Father; for where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there, among them.”

Reflection:

Reconciliation is both divine and communal.

The gospel offers a compassionate and structured process for resolving conflict and addressing sin within the Christian community. It begins with private reconciliation, where the aggrieved party approaches the offender one-on-one. This step reflects the importance of preserving dignity and fostering understanding. Private dialogue allows grace and truth to flow in an environment of trust, often bringing about repentance and healing.

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If this fails, Jesus teaches us to involve one or two witnesses, ensuring fairness and accountability. The goal is never to shame but to restore relationships within the framework of love and justice. If the issue persists, the matter is brought before the community, emphasizing the group’s role in upholding righteousness and offering guidance.

Church discipline, when carried out with humility and compassion, reinforces the sanctity of the body of Christ. Most significantly, Jesus promises His presence wherever two or three gather in His name. His presence empowers and assures us that reconciliation is both divine and communal, rooted in love and unity. Through this reconciliation process, the Christian community reflects the heart of God—restoring, not condemning.

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