The Letter to the Colossians offers a succinct summary of our life in Jesus Christ, who frees us from our sins through his death. Our task? Remain firm in faith and embrace the hope of the Gospel!
In Capernaum, Jesus heals the sick, drives out demons, and tells the people that he must travel to the other towns, proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom of God.
Jesus speaks at the synagogue in Nazareth where he grew up, and he encounters doubt and hesitation as he proclaims his fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah.
Here are some of the main themes in the Mass Readings for the 23rd Sunday of the Year.
1st Reading – Ezekiel 33:7-9
God charges the prophet to warn the people of their wickedness.
If the prophet does not speak, both the people and the prophet will die.
If the prophet speaks and the people do not listen, the people will die, but the prophet will be saved because he did what the Lord commanded.
Psalm – 95:1-2,6-9
“If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”
We acknowledge the Lord and bow down to worship the God who guides us.
2nd Reading – Romans 13:8-10
Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another.
Love fulfills all the commandments of the law.
Gospel – Matthew 18:15-20
If someone sins against us, we are to strive to address the fault, first with the person, then with others, and finally (if all else fails) with the church.
Where two or three are gathered together in the name of Jesus, the Lord is present in their midst.
When Peter’s fear of crucifixion leads him to tempt Jesus away from his saving mission, the Lord responds with a stern rebuke and a call to follow him as we carry the Cross. In other words, when fear rises up in our hearts, we face it with faith, knowing that the Cross is not the end, but a doorway that leads to eternal life.
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