SUNDAY, September 4

Matthew 18:15-20. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.

The verse from Matthew cited above ends a section about discipline in the church and how to settle disputes. Jesus made it clear that they are not to be left unsettled.

There is strength in harmony and agreement. The opposite must also be true. There is weakness in discord and strife. This is true within the church, a family, community or nation. It is true within ourselves.

To be present in Christ’s name is to be present in humility and obedience to God. To be present in Christ’s name is to recall his teaching by word and example and to be open to his leading.

To be present with others—even two or three—in Christ’s name is to recognize each person, including myself, to be God’s beloved and part of the family of Christ.

Christians frequently pray for God to be present with us in our gatherings. We do not need to ask. Jesus has already promised this. The rest is up to us, to be truly together “in his name.”

PRAY for the Diocese of Seoul (Korea)

Ps 149 and Exodus 12:1-14—OR—Ps 119:33-40 and Ezekiel 33:7-11; Romans 13:8-14

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com or Oremus Bible browser.

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Jesus is always present

Sep 04, 2011 at 7:52 am

Written by Sam,

Every day the mediation either inspires through its instant wisdom, or it provokes me to really think about the message. Today, I ruminated. Verses 15-17 of Matthew 18 have always bothered me, as they suggest to me a different Jesus – one who seems to urge that we seek ultimate judgment of our brother even by treating him as an outcast. This prescription seems to be contradicted by Romans 13:8 “Let no debt remain outstanding except the debt to love one another.” I am uncomfortable with Matt 18:15-17 because I believe that Christ’s ultimate message is to LOVE my brother, and to forgive him even when he sins against me. As today’s writer says, Jesus has promised to be present with US. MY challenge, every day and every moment, is to be present with Jesus. Whule He is always with me, so often I am not with Him!

...

Sep 04, 2011 at 7:56 am

Written by Mary kier,

Thank you for reminding me that God's presence is all ready with us, we just have to open our hearts to him. I thought of an example. There are digital and radio waves around us all the time. Then when we are ready to hear the music or news we "tune-in". I would like to find that channel and be tuned in to God's presence at all times!

Christian Unity

Sep 04, 2011 at 10:29 am

Written by Rick,

Unity among church members is one of the most important yet challenging of our efforts as Christians. There will always be disagreements amoung us but it is how we handle the disagreements that is important. Will we insist on our own way, or will we be willing to compromise for the overall good of the Church? It requires prayer and humility.

Just Welcome Him In!

Sep 04, 2011 at 11:20 am

Written by emeline,

To Mary Kier, the channel for Jesus is "Just Let Him In", (my created channel.) We do not need any special channel for Jesus. Like today's writers have expressed, Jesus is ever present. We all seem to be on the right wave length, for these are the very sentiments expressed by my Assistant Priest during his sermon this morning. Jesus is right where we are at all times, and in all places! Thank Him for being ever present!

...

Sep 04, 2011 at 12:04 pm

Written by Sam,

Perhaps as proof that Jesus Cjhrist is ever present, the celebrant at my church chose the Gospel reading as his reference for the sermon. I certainly was hungry for understanding the Gospel, especially verse 17, and Christ fed me through his servant, Fr. Hollis. I learnt not to focus so heavily on the end - that of treating my brother as a pariah (my interpretation), but instead on the process of creating harmony, through love. I must look beyond the subject text and be instructed by the way Christ treated the Gentiles and tax collectors in His life. Thank you, Lord,for watching over me.

Love them as Jesus loved them!

Sep 04, 2011 at 1:26 pm

Written by Chris,

Thank you God for your messengers Sam and Fr. Hollis. Amen.

Radio

Sep 05, 2011 at 12:10 am

Written by Tres,

Mary,

What a lovely analogy - thank you. I pray that I and all of us may have the desire to search for and find that channel amid all the static; too often we tune in to other stations which distract us.

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