Today’s readings are quite appropriate as we celebrate Labor Day and begin transitioning back to school. The Gospel reminds us of an important principle for settling disputes and disagreements: Handle them at the lowest level. In today’s society, especially with the prevalence of social media, whenever there is an issue, some people need to create drama and stir the pot. Instead of communicating directly with the other party, they escalate it by posting details, writing to the company president, or simply refusing to talk to the person.
What Jesus describes in the Gospel is the principle of subsidiarity. In other words, we should work out issues and disagreements with the other person. If that doesn’t work, then we escalate to a higher level, and so on. Only when the issue cannot be resolved are we to treat the other party as “a Gentile or tax collector.” In today’s language, that would mean refusing to deal with the other party and encouraging others to do the same. But that is a last resort. Every effort should be made to settle it between the two parties.
This is a good approach at both the negotiating table and on the school playground. There is no need to escalate a situation unless it cannot be resolved. Instead of sharing things in the court of social media, communicate with each other, and hopefully the discussion will lead to understanding and resolution.
In addition, we are invited to encourage people to be holy. If we see people doing things that are wicked or sinful, we have an obligation to challenge them to conversion. Otherwise, we will be responsible as an accessory to their demise. The Scriptures remind us that although we will be judged for our behaviors and sins, we also live as a community under God. Loving our neighbor as ourselves means we need to help one another achieve heaven. We walk with one another along the way toward God’s Kingdom, and we are called to admonish one another as an act of charity and love.
Over the past several months, we have been involved in the Archdiocese’s restructuring process. Thank you to all who have participated in the Listening Sessions and surveys. Your input is helping decision-makers do so with a clearer vision of what is needed. One aspect of this shift is that most priests in the Archdiocese will be changing assignments on July 1, 2027. This includes me. While I expected to remain here at St. Therese until I turned 70, the restructuring means I will be moving. I do not know where, but we trust things to God and recognize that He is working with us and through us. Please keep the people working out the details of the restructuring in your prayers. More information about the process is available on the AOD website.
Have a great week and enjoy the Labor Day holiday.
