Importance of Personal settlement

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 19th Week - Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 18:15-20*

*First Reading - Dt 34:1-12*

*Importance of Personal settlement*

*1) Various ways of Settlement*

The Gospel of the day has the incident of dispute between two and shows diffent  ways through which one can settle the dispute 

Among all the ways, Jesus highlights the personal settlement as the first and best way

Since Jesus highlights this way as the *first way* it must have a special significane to our life.  

*2) Personal settlement is the best settlement*

Everyone agrees this matter and reason for this argument could be the following 

*Easy Way* Among all ways this appears to be very easy way, because, less number of people are involved

*No much formalities* In this way there aren't many formalities to follow. So once again it becomes very easy 

*The matter does not go out* When there are only two people are involved, the matter does not go out. This in turn helps the parties to keep up their good name, their reputation and healthy relationships with others 

*Success rate is more* The very fact that the personal settlement is initiated, it is a green signal for settling the dispute. Otherwise usually the settlement will not take place at the personal level 

*Parties themselves take initiative* In the personal settlement since the parties are directly involved, it speaks about their seriousness in settling the matter. They are able to listen, they are able to see their weaknesses and they invent ways to settle the matter 

*3) Effect of personal settlement*

It gives more satisfaction to both the parties 

They feel proud, because they were able to come to a consensus, and they are able to adjust 

There is a less amount of anger, hatred and painful feeling towards the other 

This settlement becomes a lesson for many other things in life 

*4) Personal settlement works effectively in the beginning Stage*

The effect of personal settlement is very powerful only at the initial stage of dispute 

If parties do not try for the personal settlement in the initial stages of the dispute, the chances of personal settlement at the later stage would be very difficult 

So one must try to have this settlement at the initial stage 

*5) The danger of reversing the Order*

First at the personal level between the parties 

Secondly at the level of two extra persons to help the party 

Thirdly the bigger community is involved

The moment we reverse the order, things become worse. 

At times we follow the last step first and first step at last 

*6) The third person and the dispute*

At times the dispute goes to the third person, rather than to the concerned person 

The third person represents the bigger community, the media, mobile, WhatsApp etc

So at times disputes goes to all these level and the situation becomes worse 

We need to be careful with regard to these modern third parties which practically spoil our name rather than settling the disputes 

*7) How do I settle my disputes?*

Is it at the personal level or do I first use the last method, that is proclaiming everywhere and finally coming to the person? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*