The Readings of this weekend invite us to correct each other in charity. We all need each other’s support to live good and happy lives, for no one is an island. This act of fraternal correction is an expression of Christian love.

-         God warns the Prophet Ezekiel not to remain silent in the face of evil. Rather, he must play his part by calling the attention of those who are on the wrong path so that they can amend their ways and be saved (Cf. 1^st Reading).

-         We can’t force people to change, and it should not be our preoccupation to force change in anyone’s life. Our gentle admonition, by word, example, and prayer, is what we are called to do to ensure each other's safety and well-being.  

-         While we seek to correct others, we need to be mindful of our own limitations and our need for support. Ours should be an attitude of openness and humility when we receive fraternal correction (Cf. Psalm). God can speak to us even through an ordinary person next to us.

-         We owe each other nothing except to love (Cf. 2^nd Reading). Out of love, we seek to help each other enjoy the fullness of life which Jesus came to give (Cf John 10:10). Every act of correction must be based on love and should aim to promote love (Cf. Pope Francis’ Angelus Message of September 10, 2023).

-         Fraternal correction needs to be marked by respect and patience (Cf. Gospel Reading).  Approaching the person concerned as the first step is a sign of respect. Sometimes, this may only be the first step in a long journey, which we are invited to patiently pursue while seeking help from the right people, if need be.

-          Through exercising mutual fraternal correction in love, may we all receive true freedom and an everlasting inheritance (Cf. Opening Prayer).

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Whenever we celebrate the liturgy, we are immersing ourselves in Scripture. The Word of God is found throughout the breviary and the missal.

But we should always remember that this Word is a living Word, more speech than text, even if printed on a page. And when the Lector proclaims the Word at Mass, it is Christ himself speaking through the mouth of his minister. This all becomes explicit in the response to the psalm for Mass on the twenty-third Sunday of ordinary time: O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts.

We must beware a temptation to harden our hearts, because the Word of God will challenge us. We might recall Saint Anthony of Egypt. Entering the church he heard the Gospel of the rich young man being read: If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess, and give to the poor ... and come, follow me. This he was constrained to do, and after many trials became the father of monks, both of east and west.

Hesitation is understandable when confronted with such a challenge. But we can take courage. The Word of God will not fail us. He is the Creator Word, the Word through whom all things were made in the beginning. In him they are firmly established. And there is no need to fear our own failure. When we fall the Word raises us up. As his power is, so is his mercy.

In all circumstances therefore we can sing the psalm with our whole heart: Come, let us ring out our joy to the Lord; hail the rock who saves us.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Let us pray for all who believe in Christ Jesus,that the ears of our heart may be open to the voice of his calling.

Let us pray for all in public office, that the Word of God may be heard in the public square and inform their deliberations and decisions.

Let us pray for the faithful departed, that they may hear the voice of the Word summoning them to eternal life.

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The hymns have been selected from the Laudate hymnbook:

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821 The Kingdom of God

827 Glorious things of you are spoken

847 O Lord, all the world belongs to you

924 Servant Song

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