Pastor’s Corner for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, by Fr. Nobert Munekani SJ

The Mass readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A emphasize the importance of conversion and love. They encourage us to avoid hardening our hearts, to love one another, and to support each other on the path to holiness. Additional themes include reconciliation, overcoming hatred, social justice, and spiritual works of mercy.

The readings this Sunday remind us that we are all responsible for one another. It is not enough for anyone of us to turn our face away and ignore what our sister or brother is doing. We are each other’s keeper. Many things in our society go wrong today because we see something wrong being done and we look the other way.

In the Old Testament God sent the prophets to carry his message to his people. God warns Ezekiel that if he commands him to deliver a message, and he does not carry out this command, then he is responsible for the death of the guilty person. We are all prophets. God calls us to speak his word to each other. Our role is not to judge, but to guide our sisters and brothers if we think they have gone astray. God offers correction through us.

Paul reminds us that we need to carry out this correction with love. ‘Love cannot hurt your neighbor!’ In the gospel, Jesus again encourages us to help our sisters and brothers to realize when they do something wrong. Jesus encourages us to do it kindly but assertively. Jesus gives us a three-step process to follow of how to correct. Finally, the sister or brother still refuses to change her or his way, Jesus invites us to treat them like he treats pagans and tax collectors, with great love and acceptance!

For the sick

Let us continue to pray for the sick members of our parish especially Benedicta Ngwebelele, Phoebe Ngwenya and Andrew Ledwaba.  

Rev. Fr. Nobert Munekani SJ