The importance of the Relationship

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 23rd Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 18:15-20*

*First Reading : Ez 33:7-9*

*SECOND READING - Rom 13:8-10*

*The importance of the Relationship*

*1) Two agreeing on something*

The Gospel speaks about two people coming together and agreeing for doing something 

In this agreement we see the importance of the relationship. Unless the people have good relationship and they are able to agree on something, they can do nothing 

Without good relationship they can't agree on something. In such a situation they can't work together

*2) Two or three are gathering together*

This is a little bigger than two people 

Here when they come together - it highlights the importance of their relationship 

Three people coming together, praying for something good and beautiful with one heart and mind will be granted 

Moreover, wherever there is good relationship, people come together and Jesus is present among them 

*3) Preparing of the relationship*

The main focus of today's reading is about the repairing of the relationship

Jesus gives us four levels in repairing the relationship 

*First Level : Its a personal correction* This is done in a direct way. According to Jesus this is the best way to repair the relationship. 

*Second Level : Corrections through Friends* Here between two there are one or two extra persons who are experts in dealing the issue and settling it 

This is also very good where people are made to aware of their fault by a third person 

At times people are ready to listen to the third person 

*Third Level : Through a judge* This is little higher lever where there is a better control to convince the persons about their faults 

Since it is a reputed body, people are in a better position to accept their faults 

*Fourth Level : Treat Him as Gentile* This is something like, the person does not want to be in relationship

He goes out of the relationship and lives by himself. To such person one can do nothing. So leave him/her as he/she likes 

*4) Relationship in my Life*

Without relationship we can no longer live as human beings

If so, how is my relationship? 

My relationship with my God

My relationship with my beloved people

My relationship with family members 

My relationship with my neighbors

My relationship with my fellow being in that society

If something goes wrong, how do the set right my relationship?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*