THE WATCHMAN OF FORGIVENESS

Meditation for the Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
(Ezek 33:7-9; Rm 13:8-10; Mt 18:15-20)

Forgiveness and reconciliation are twine topics that cannot be exhausted. Though they are necessary for our co-existence with one another, they ultimately have eternal value. No matter how much we think we know, or how much we have made up our minds, forgiveness and reconciliation will always be demanded of us at one point or another.

In the first reading, the prophet Ezekiel was sent to bring reconciliation between God and the wicked man. God is ready to forgive and reconcile with anyone who turns from his sins. Thus, the prophet Ezekiel was sent as ‘a watchman for the house of Israel’, to warn both the good man and the wicked man about the consequences of sin, which is death. The role of a ‘watchman’ for our brothers and sisters is the disposition we need in order to accompany them to reconcile with God and with one another. The ‘watchman’ is saddled with this responsibility, if he fails, he will bear the consequences of the death of the sinner. But if the ‘watchman’ delivers his message and the wicked refused to repent, then the wicked man will die of his iniquity, but the ‘watchman’ will be saved.

 

In the second reading, we come to understand that the ‘watchful eye’ we must have over one another is LOVE! St Paul says, “Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbour has fulfilled the law.” Love becomes that divine mandate with which we can bring about forgiveness and reconciliation. Thus, the ‘watchman’ stands on the ‘tower of divine love’ to look out for others, announcing to them divine reconciliation. He is accountable to the divine love, which motivates him to reach out and reconcile with anyone who must have offended him. ‘To gain your brother back’ can only bring joy to one who already values communion with his brother. The man who goes through the painful process of seeking reconciliation with his brother is a true ‘watchman’ for his brother. If he neglects this responsibility, he will be asked to account for the loss of his brother. But if after all the efforts, the angry one refuses to listen, he shall be treated as tax collector.

 

The journey of forgiveness and reconciliation can only be possible if we walk in the footsteps of Calvery. Love from the Cross of Jesus supplies the strength that can carry us along this process. The Cross is the true tower of love from which the ‘watchman’ stands to bring forgiveness and reconciliation. For on the Cross, the good man died so that the wicked man, who ought to die, may live! So, Jesus is the perfect ‘Watchman’, who reconciles us with God by His cross (Eph 2:16). Having reconciled us with God, Jesus has entrusted to us the ministry of reconciliation as His watchmen (2 Cor 5:18). That means our approach for forgiveness and reconciliation should not begin or be based on our personal hurt or shame. This will make it more difficult to forgive. But when there is need for forgiveness, we must remember that we have the responsibility as ‘watchmen of forgiveness’, to reconcile the brother with God, and welcome him back to the communion of believers. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwe Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and paul

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday September 10, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com