Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – 06th September 2026
Dear brothers and sisters,
Today’s Gospel speaks about something that happens in every family, in every community and, probably, in the life of every one of us: someone hurts us. Sometimes with a word. Sometimes by something they do. Sometimes through injustice, dishonesty or betrayal. And what do we do when that happens?
Very often we are tempted to do one of two things: either we keep everything inside and allow the wound to grow, or we tell other people what has happened.
Today Jesus offers us another way. He says: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone.”
Notice the gentleness of Jesus. He does not say, “Talk about him.” He says, “Talk to him.” He does not say, “Tell everyone what he has done.” He says, “Between you and him alone.”
How different our world would be if we truly lived this Gospel. How many families might be more united. How many friendships might be saved. How much more peace there might be in our communities.
Because it is much easier to talk about someone than to talk to someone.
But Jesus also tells us the purpose: “If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” What a beautiful expression. Jesus does not say, “You have won the argument.” He does not say, “You have proved that you were right.” He says, “You have gained your brother.” For God, preserving a relationship is more important than winning an argument.