mamabishop: Sunday, September 5, 2026, Proper 18

Saturday, September 5, 2026

Sunday, September 5, 2026, Proper 18

Jesus said, “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:15-20

Jesus is pretty clear with the disciples and with us, we are to be seeking resolutions, healing and peace. Too often, in churches, we fight over who is right or who is in charge. We fuel conflicts that should never have become public, and we try to oust people who get in our way. As a bishop, I have been called in, too many times, to mediate a conflict that never should have happened. Often times, it starts with a misunderstanding between two people. If they had followed Jesus' simple steps, they may have found peace. Instead, they call the priest, gossip to other parishioners and we then have a full-blown crisis. Jesus shows us the way, and even when resolution and healing don't happen, we are to treat them like gentiles and tax collectors, the very people who became disciples and who ate with him.

Loving Creator, you set a table big and wide for all

and invite all of the people to come and dine with you.