Reflection for August 13 Wednesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 18:15-20

Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20

(Jesus said to his disciples) “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 

If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church. If he refuses to listen even to the Church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 

Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” 

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Reflection: 

The story is told of a mother who would always shout at her daughter whenever she committed a mistake. This was her behavior until her child grew up; eventually, the child learned to answer back. Thus, whenever the mother shouted at her, she would also shout back to reciprocate the insult. In time, when the daughter matured, she became aloof and distant toward her mother. 

What is the importance of having a one-on-one talk with someone who has offended you or someone who is at fault? It shows your sincerity to help the person grow and be restored. It sends the message that you wish to address the matter with love, resolve the problem without grandstanding, and avoid wounding anyone further. By doing so, you communicate that you desire to build bridges of understanding rather than walls of separation. 

Yet many of us fall into the mistake of correcting someone in front of a crowd. Instead of bringing the person closer to correction, healing, and reconciliation, such public rebuke often drives them farther away. It inflicts deeper emotional wounds that may leave scars for life. Words spoken in public anger can echo in a person’s heart far longer than we realize. 

Jesus teaches us the gentle art of private correction. He calls us to approach others with humility and kindness, especially when they have gone astray. But often, our pride overpowers our compassion, and we allow arrogance to guide our actions rather than love. We must ask ourselves: What is the value of power if it only divides and wounds? What is the point of correcting someone in full public view if it sows resentment and hatred that might later bear bitter fruit? 

The way of Jesus in resolving conflict is always marked by diplomacy, fraternal correction, and gentleness—never arrogance or power-tripping to prove one’s influence. He invites us to follow His example, to speak truth in love, and to seek reconciliation over self-justification. 

How do you exercise your power and authority? Do you use it to build others up, or to tear them down? May we all choose the way of Christ—restoring with love, healing with gentleness, and leading with humility. – Marino J. Dasmarinas