Today’s readings focus on our accountability for combatting sin.  As humans, we are part of the problem; we all are sinners.  As Christians, we are called to be part of the solution; Ezekiel tells us that if we stand by and do nothing we will be held accountable for our inaction.  In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a  framework for how to go about correcting those who have gone astray, but I’m sure we all know this is not an easy thing to do.  Last week we talked about Jeremiah not wanting to be a prophet because of the way the people treated him…no one wants to be ridiculed or put down for standing up for what they know is right.  Further, sometimes when we do speak out, we come across as hypocritical.  That makes it easy for the person(s) we’re trying to help to disregard us because they see us as no better than they are.  So, what are we to do?  

I don’t pretend to have the answers…each case is different, and I struggle with this as much as I’m sure most of us do.  But St. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, gives us a place to start…with love.  We are called to love as Jesus does, and Jesus never gave up on sinners.  Jesus pointed out sin and offered corrections out of love and compassion for the sinner, and we must do the same if we are to be taken seriously.  Again, it is no easy task; it requires prayer and self-reflection.  However, it is a task that needs to be done; my prayer for all of us is that we will find ways to do it with the love and compassion of Jesus.


NOTE: The 08/30/2026 Reflection on the Readings was written by John Ceglarek, as well. 
His name was cut off!