THE WATCHMAN CORRECT WITH LOVE

The liturgy of today reminds us of who we are; we are watchmen placed over the city. We are to identify evils or wrongdoings and give corrective measures with love, and to reconcile the offender with God. It questions our sense of moral responsibility at individual and communal levels. 

God appointed Ezekiel as a watchman over the house of Israel. If he fails to warn the wicked, they will die in their guilt, but he will be held responsible. If he warns them and they fail to change, he will be free. We are all watchmen at various levels. One way or another, we have failed in our responsibilities and acted negligently. We have failed to defend the flocks placed under us; we have failed to speak against evil because we don’t want to be called ‘names’; and we have failed to correct with love. 

Invariably, we are responsible towards others and have the responsibility to correct all wrongdoings or evil with love. We must not be indifferent to the decay in society, family or the moments when our voices ought to be heard; when we remain silent to evil, it will be to the detriment of our future. However, the focal point of correcting errors or evil should not be to destroy but to win the sinner back to God. This is what Christ equally points out in the Gospel. 

Christ presents to us principles on how we can win sinners back to ourselves and to God. Disputes, conflicts and other differences will surely arise among us. The problem is not the vices but resolving them amicably. Taking cognizance of the terminology used: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault” (Mt. 18:15). He did not say, “If you sin against your brother…” Practically, we are expected to make the first move of reconciliation, not minding the offence of the offender. 

For this, He gave us three principles of reconciliation: first, the one-on-one dialogue to win back our brother or the sinner; second, the need for two or three witnesses; and third, to seek the aid of the Church or community. If the person in question refuses to listen or take correction on his or her evil, then treat him/her like a Gentile (pagan). Importantly, some of us don’t follow this principle; we are so quick to treat our enemies like pagans without provision for dialogue or the first, second and third steps. Conflicts are certain among families and friends, among groups and institutions, but there must be resolution. The best resolution given to us is dialogue. It fosters unity, respect, relationship healing and growth within the community. Above all, it fosters love, which is evident in the second reading. 

Love is to guide all our actions so that even when we correct the wrong or evil of others, there won’t be any form of offence. We are not meant to be arrogant while correcting the wrongs of others; we are meant to correct with love and humility. Let the offence be condemned and not the offender, and even when we are corrected, let us accept it in humility.

Let us take a moment to evaluate ourselves and personalize this reflection: who are those who have offended me? How long has this offence put us apart? Do I need to wait for my offender to approach me? Why am I not taking the move of reconciliation? Am I full of pride or humble enough to make the move? What stops me from sending an apologetic text message to the one who has offended me? How do I create an enabling environment to manage conflict?

Fr. Ken Dogbo, OSJ