September 6, 2020

Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

• Ezekiel 33:7-9
• Romans 13:8-10
• Matthew 18:15-20

Reflection Written by: George Stein, RCIA Team Member

When I first picked up this Sunday’s reading, I was grabbed by the prophet Ezekiel’s words: “You, I have appointed watchman for the House of Israel; when you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me. If…you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from his way, the wicked shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death.” Whoa!

Me? Really, me? I am a watchman, a sentinel? I have responsibilities to guard the safety of God’s people? By sharing God’s words so others will have a chance to make their own decisions? I was stunned. Shocked. Brought up short. (Head spinning.) So, if I do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from his way, I will be held responsible for his death? Really? So, if I see or know of evil being done, I need to say something, do something? I, who find it hard to express myself. I, who am timid and fearful and lacking in courage?

Well, I continued to read on. Matthew 18, known as Jesus’ “community discourse.”

Jesus is teaching his followers how we should treat each other when there is conflict and discord. His teaching is not to me as an individual; he does not ask me to do it alone. He counsels me to work with others; making any effort to address a conflict is a communal effort. As is his Trinitarian relationship with the Father and the Spirit, it is all about relationships: with man and with God. Ah, I do not have to be alone in this watchman work.

Discord and conflict are inevitable, even among like-minded believers, even among Catholics, and most especially in these uncertain times amid racial injustice. This gospel calls us to confront the difficult, but prominent reality of racism. As a sentinel, I must attempt to dissuade the wicked, to change systems and structures. 

I must take a stand against injustice, all injustice, so much of it spewing forth from racism. It will require taking risks. It surely will be scary, difficult, and may bring up feelings of inadequacy, lack of self confidence, indecision, or fear of making mistakes. Ultimately it is the only healthy and morally human thing to do. 

I must start by listening to those in our midst who are oppressed. What do People of Color want from me, us?  They want respect. They want me/us to listen to them. They want me/us to inform my/our-selves about them. They want me/us to stand with them. They want me/us to stop making assumptions about them. They want me/us to talk to other white people. They want me/us to speak up. For, as it is said in Ezekiel, if I/we do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from their way, the wicked shall die for their guilt, but God will hold me/us responsible for their death.

We need to intervene in situations where racism is being passed on. We need to Interrupt jokes and comments. We need to talk with our children and other young people about racism. We are counseled not to do it alone. One person can not end racism by themself, but we can do it if we work together. We can build support, establish networks, and work with already established groups. We must persevere–daily.

We can learn something about the long history of white people who have worked and fought for racial justice. Their stories can inspire and sustain us.

One thing is clear: racism cannot be ignored. I cannot shut my eyes, cover my ears, walk away. I need to take steps to address it and seek a path to reconciliation with the oppressed. Still seeking reconciliation. Still loving my neighbor, as I love myself. (Romans 13:10) The end is always reconciliation, a loving relationship: with man, with God.

Questions for Reflection

• When was the last time you prayed with another, in Jesus’ name, for a resolution of our unjust treatment of people of color?
• Do you really listen to what the oppressed are saying to us?
• You already notice the skin color of everyone you meet—now notice what difference it makes.