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
Living in community or simply in a family can be challenging. Even folks who are closely related rarely agree on much, let alone everything. We live in a very divided society, and very few people work at agreement and consensus. In traditional Indigenous communities, working towards consensus was essential, and often took a very long time. Yet, when agreement and consensus was found, it was a permanent solution that everyone upheld and supported. Jesus invites us to consider the importance of resolving our disagreements and finding ways to resolve them so that we continue to live in the spirit of God's love.
Beautiful Creator, you are the author of concord
you balanced the seasons and night and day
you make us your family in our vast diversity
and call us to always seek your peace among us.
Lord, give us your strength to be reconcilers in this broken world.
The world is divided, angry and violent
we have not followed in your path of peace
we do not easily forgive or set others free
yet you still call us to bring love and peace to all.
Lord, give us your strength to be reconcilers in this broken world.
We want to be loved and included at no cost
we want our own stubborn way and refuse to listen
yet your love has forgiven us first and often
and you paid the price so that we might all live.
Lord, give us your strength to be reconcilers in this broken world.
Help us to be humble enough to admit our faults
and brave enough to apologize and forgive.
Lord, give us your strength to be reconcilers in this broken world.
We preach peace and speak violently to enemies
free us from our arrogance, make us a family again.
Lord, give us your strength to be reconcilers in this broken world.
For you are the Alpha, Omega, our circle complete
and we need your love daily to heal us all.
Lord, give us your strength to be reconcilers in this broken world. Amen.
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