Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish

 

 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.  For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.  What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. 

 

"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.  If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'  And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.  But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.  Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.  Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

 

- Matthew 18:10–20 

 

Yesterday we read that, following Christ's second prediction of His Passion, death, and Resurrection at Jerusalem, the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"  Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.  But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.  Woe to the world because of offenses!  For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!  If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you.  It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire.  And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you.  It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire."

 

  "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.  For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost."  Yesterday we read that, following a question that reflected their interest in worldly power in what they imagine Christ's kingdom will be, Jesus took a little child and instructed them in their care for the little ones.  We are reminded here that little ones include all who have childlike humility and simplicity, all who are poor in spirit.  According to St. John Chrysostom, my study Bible tells us, not only the saints, but all people have guardian angels.  But the angels of humble people have greater boldness and greater honor before the face of God because of the humility of the person whom they guard.  It's not the nature of God, but the weakness of human beings, that requires the angels' service.  

 

"For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.  What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."  My study Bible comments that, unlike earthly shepherds, Christ sees such value in one sheep that He will leave the others at risk to save it.  It says that the ninety-nine sheep represent the the righteous who remain faithful to God (Luke 15:7).  According to some patristic teachers, this is also an image of the Incarnation, in which the ninety-nine represent the angels in heaven.  Christ descended from heaven in order to pursue the one sheep -- humankind -- who had fallen into corruption on earth.  

 

 "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.  If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'  And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.  But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.  Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.  Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."  My study Bible comments on this passage that Jesus offers us a church discipline that is based on mutual correction in three expanding stages.  Sin and correction are to remain private unless the offender refuses to repent.  All correction, it says, must be done with great care and humility, with the highest concern being the salvation of the offender (see 1 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:1).  Nonetheless, correction must take place so that the sin does not spread to others as well.  

 

The parable of the one hundred sheep is an interesting one, because it emphasizes a point Jesus will make many times, through other sayings and other parables.  It tells us that to God, all is necessary, all are essential.  There is no one left out of the salvation plan of God.  On human terms, yes, it is at times necessary to let straying people go, to be left to their own devices when repentance seems impossible.  See again 1 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:1, as cited by my study Bible for the passage above.  But this is because we human beings live in time, and are therefore changeable, malleable.  But we are also always in that position of being somewhere at a moment in time:  we see only what has been revealed on such a level, while God is eternal.  This knowledge must make us aware that even the worst or most unrepentant among us may have possibilities for salvation that you and I, from our purely human perspective, cannot know.  But it is right and true that Jesus repeatedly lets us know of God's concern for all, and of the great efforts of God to seek and to find that which was lost.  It is in that perspective that we understand what it is to pray for our enemies, for even those who have caused some offense.  This does not mean we embrace the offensive behavior, nor even that we tolerate.  It means that we put faith in Jesus' teachings here on the ninety-nine sheep and the one lost for whom the Shepherd will make all effort to retrieve it.  Our prayers are for God's retrieval, not for unrepentant behavior.  But we must understand that God's eternal reality prevails and is authoritative over all, while repentance is also the Lord's teaching for all of us.  That is, a turning toward the Lord that is always called for, that we always need for each moment of our lives.  These two factors are not just real, they are essential for us to understand and to hold dear for our own grasp of reality and the spiritual truth which Christ gives to us.  Jesus is teaching the disciples that His ultimate aim is to make every effort for that which is lost, for until the time of Christ's return and Christ's final judgment, this is the orientation of the Church.  In short, it means that ultimately we place all things in God's hands, and -- lest we forget -- this is what we do in prayer.  It is also what we do in forgiveness.  Forgiveness means (from the Greek, for example, in the Lord's Prayer; see Matthew 6:12) literally to "let go."  But in that letting go, we give the sin and the judgment up to God.  We ask for God's discernment in dealing with evil or sin done to us, and navigating this road in which we are His followers and disciples.  Forgiveness does not mean we need tolerate bad or harmful behavior.  Often it means we need to separate from abusive persons, even so that they have no more temptation to sin against us.  But it means also that we seek God's will in all we do, entrusting the "lost" to the Lord who seeks out all for salvation, and that we hold this perspective in our minds, for this is what the Lord teaches us.  In Christ's example of mutual correction, we should observe the expanding circles of effort and those involved which He instructs here.  It begins with the personal.  Where that does not work to bring repentance, it becomes extended to more within the context of the Church and these teachings.  When that fails the entirety of the Church is involved, and if that does not suffice, the person is outside the Church, like "a heathen and a tax collector."  But let us bear in mind Jesus' teachings about the lost sheep, and St. Paul's words in the passages from 1 Corinthians and Galatians cited above.  No lost sheep is outside of God's purview, and every effort for their salvation will be made.  If we look closely at this small, short parable, it seems that God is not going to be satisfied with the loss of even one sheep, all are unique and necessary to God's creation.  Beyond that, we are not the Judge, and we don't have the purview.  But we have His words to live by, and His reality to accept.  In this model, forgiveness or "letting go" remains always possible, even necessary, even when we must leave the salvation of the lost to God.  Let us always remember the One who is our highest authority.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish

 

 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.  For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.  

 

"What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.  

 

"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.  If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'  And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.  But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.  

"Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.  Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."  

 

- Matthew 18:10-20 

 

Yesterday we read that the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"  Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.  But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.  Woe to the world because of offenses!  For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!  If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you.  It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire.  And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you.  It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire."

 

"Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.  For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost."  Again, Jesus refers to the "little ones," as in yesterday's reading, above.  These include not only children, but those who have a childlike humility and simplicity; its meaning is to include all those who are poor in spirit.  Regarding their angels who "always see the face of My Father who is in heaven," my study Bible cites St. John Chrysostom, who teaches that not only the saints, but that all people have guardian angels.  The angels of humble people, however, have greater boldness and greater honor before the face of God, because of the humility of the person they guard.  It's not the nature of God, my study Bible adds, but the weakness of human beings, that requires the angels' service.  

 

 "What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."  My study Bible reports that, unlike earthly shepherds, Christ sees so much value in one sheep that He will leave the others at risk to save it.  The ninety-nine sheep represent the righteous who stay faithful to God (Luke 15:7).  Moreover, according to certain patristic writers, this is also an image of the Incarnation.  In this image the ninety-nine represent the angels in heaven, and Christ descended from heaven to pursue the one sheep -- humankind -- who had fallen into corruption on earth.  

 

 "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.  If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'  And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.  But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.  "   My study Bible explains that church discipline, as Christ states here, is based on mutual correction in three expanding stages.  Sin and correction must remain private, unless the offender refuses to repent.  It notes that all correction must be done with great care and humility,with the highest concern being the salvation of the offender (see 1 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:1).  But nonetheless, correction must take place so that the sin does not spread to others as well.  Jesus cites the law regarding witnesses in Deuteronomy 19:15.

 

"Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.  Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."  My study Bible claims that the authority to bind and loose sins is given to the apostles and transmitted to the bishops and presbyters they ordained.  This authority, it says, is given for the sake of the salvation of the sinner.  According to St. John Chrysostom, the sinner, "seeing that he is not only cast out of the Church, but that the bond of his sin will remain in Heaven, he may turn and become gentle."

 

 Church discipline is a big question -- and problem -- for many people.  Certainly se can think of scandals involving "little ones" and, in particular, little children.  Regardless of Christ's words here in this chapter promising terrible woe to those in His church who would bring "offenses" (see yesterday's reading, above), the Church has unfortunately weathered storms in which its own people in authoritative positions have been responsible for such offenses.  In today's reading, Jesus tells the disciples, "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.  For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost."  It's significant that this is all in response to the question about who is greatest in the Kingdom, the disciples' question about their own future positions in His Church.  So Jesus' first response is to warn against leading the little ones astray through abuses of power.  As someone who speaks to many people exploring and becoming more familiar with the Church and the teachings of Christ, I meet people rather frequently who have stories of what they feel has been abuse in the Church, experiences which had the effect of driving them away for a time.  It is disheartening to find stories like this more frequently than one would hope.  But, indeed, it simply affirms the wisdom of Christ's words and their ongoing importance to the Church, and for all of us, today.  It teaches us about mission and our resilience in this mission of Christ given for the Church, for it is His directions we need to follow, His teachings we need to do our best to uphold and carry out, particularly in His Church.  His wisdom is profound, for we can all see the effects of offenses, and how they cause the "lost" to remain so, even to cause the "little ones" to stray into sin.  ("But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea," we read in yesterday's Gospel reading).  The wisdom of Christ remains for us, and we find out all the better when shortcuts are taken or when corruption intervenes with His teachings for us.  Let us uphold His wisdom and love, for there is the road that takes us where we want and need to go.  Mutual correction may seem like a difficult plan to carry out, but it does affirm for us that any abuses or real offenses experienced in the Church were and are important to Christ, and as we know, there is nothing that escapes God's sight (Matthew 10:29-31).   Let us endeavor to care for the little ones, to prevent sin through love, to help lead all to the Lord His way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven

 

 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.  For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.  

 

"What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. 

"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.  If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'  And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.  But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.  Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.  Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

 

- Matthew 18:10–20 

 

Yesterday we read that at that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"  Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.  But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.  Woe to the world because of offenses!  For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!  If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you.  It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire.  And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you.  It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire."   

 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.  For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost."   In yesterday's reading (above) Jesus began to speak to the disciples about the proper care and reception of the little ones.  According to my study Bible, these "little ones" to whom Jesus refers include all who have childlike humility and simplicity; that is, all who are poor in spirit.  In today's reading, He speaks of their "angels who always see the face of My Father who is in heaven."  According to St. John Chrysostom, whom my study Bible cites here, not only the saints, but all people have guardian angels.   But the angels of humble people have greater boldness and greater honor before the face of God due to the humility of the person they guard.  It's not the nature of God, but the weakness of human beings, that requires the angels' service.  

"What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."  Unlike the calculations of earthly shepherds, my study Bible says, Christ sees such value in one sheep that He will leave the others are risk to save it.  The ninety-nine sheep represent the righteous who remain faithful to God (Luke 15:7).  According to some patristic commentary, this is also an image of the Incarnation, in which the ninety-nine represent the angels in heaven.  Christ descended from heaven to pursue the one lost sheep -- humankind -- who had fallen into corruption on earth. 

"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.  If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'  And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.  But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector."  Here Jesus lays out a plan for church discipline, which is based on mutual correction in three expanding stages.  Sin and correction are to remain private, my study Bible notes, unless the offender refuses to repent.  It says that all correction must be done with great care and humility, with the highest concern being the salvation of the offender (see 1 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:1).  Nonetheless, correction must take place so that the sin does not spread to others as well.  

"Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.  Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."  My study Bible comments that the authority to bind and loose sins is given to the apostles and transmitted to the bishops and presbyters they ordained.  This authority, it adds, is given for the sake of the salvation of the sinner.  Quoting St. John Chrysostom, my study Bible notes that the sinner, "seeing that he is not only cast out of the Church, but that the bond of his sin will remain in Heaven, he may turn and become gentle."

Once again (as in yesterday's reading and commentary) we must note how carefully Jesus prepares the disciples for the future of His Church, the body of Christ, and especially the attention that must be paid to the proper care of the "little ones," all those who will come into the Church in faith, seeking to be part of the communion with Christ.  Scandalizing behavior, "offenses" that harm this relationship and communion with the little ones -- particularly those who come in all humility -- is the last thing Christ wants the leadership of His Church to embody.  In fact, in yesterday's reading (see above), He promised woe to anyone by whom such offenses come.  This discussion is clearly meant to set the tone for the whole of the Church to come, and the care and concern for the little ones, including personal self-discipline and a willingness to cast aside our own bad habits and impulses in order to do so, is Christ's definition of what it is to be "great" and the "greatest" in His Church.  Let us consider a moment the three-stage correction model that He offers to them.  It protects the privacy of the person accused of the offense, the one who has sinned against another.  The second stage, which expands the circle of those aware of the problem, still limits the exposure of the person about whom there is a complaint.  It's only after these attempts to reconcile and bring the person to an awareness of problematic behavior that it becomes a more public problem and expanded to the wider Church.  Moreover, let us consider what this means in the context of "Church."  The definition of Church according to my study Bible comes from the Greek word ἐκκλησία/ekklesia which is used here in the text, and means the "called out" or "assembly."  My study Bible notes that in this understanding the faithful are called out of the world to be the Church, which is the body of Christ, the Bride of Christ, the New Israel, the ark of Salvation, the assembly of believers.  Through the Church, it says, Christians are united to Christ and to each other.  In this community, the believer receives the grace of God through the sacraments and hears the truth of the gospel.  So therefore, this mystical transformation of people into one body in Christ takes place in the Eucharist; as Christ is the head of the Church, the Church is thereby a reflection of Christ's Incarnation, with body human and divine qualities.  In this understanding of what "Church" is and means, then, let us consider Christ's admonition for mutual correction.  Offenses are those things which disrupt this process of transformation into communion as the body of Christ; they tear relationships apart through abuse of various kinds, and destroy the very reality of what it means to take the Eucharist, to participate in Christ's sacrifice.  Therefore it is up to all of us to not only take our own behavior most seriously in this context of the "little ones" and how they are received by all, but especially Christ's teachings about self-correction (see yesterday's reading and His analogy of amputation of a diseased body part regarding our own sinful behaviors and habits), and mutual correction in today's reading.  If indeed the Church is meant to be a reflection of Christ's Incarnation, then imagine how much more seriously we must take His words when it comes to jockeying for position, for gossip and bad behaviors that break good faith in the Church, for exploitation or abuse of power and manipulation within the Church.  The Church is a holy institution and not merely a fiscal or community of neighbors or social institution or even a political one, as seems to become so often the case, something with which we are all too familiar.  If we were to remember that the Church itself is meant to be a place of healing -- including correction of sinful or abusive behaviors to ourselves or to others -- then we will orient ourselves correctly to its purpose and calling.  Let us remember that as a place of prayer and worship we are witnesses not to one another but to God and to the purpose of Christ's Incarnation itself, for if we fail that purpose then we fail Him.  As He reminds us today, He is there in the midst of us.  Throughout the readings of yesterday and today, Christ's great concern is with the little ones; so much so, that yesterday we read His teaching that to receive one of the little ones is to receive Him:  "Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me."  Today He tells us most solemnly a key purpose of the Church:  "Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."   Let us understand that we all are to work together for salvation, and what commitment that takes to His teaching here.  And always, there is the overriding concern for Christ's mission:  "For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost."

 

 

 

Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven

 

 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.  For the Son of man has come to save that which was lost.

"What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.  If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'  And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.  But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.  

 

"Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.  Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

 

- Matthew 18:10-20 

 

 Yesterday we read that at that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"  Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly,  say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.  But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.  Woe to the world because of offenses!  For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!  If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you.  It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire.  And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you.  It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire."

 

 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.  For the Son of man has come to save that which was lost."  As we can read from yesterday's reading (above), Jesus has been addressing the disciples in response to the question, "Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Jesus responds with an emphasis on humility, and in particular on the need for the care of the little ones; that is, those who are poor in spirit.  My study Bible describes this as referring to all who have childlike humility and simplicity.  Regarding Christ's teaching that "in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven," St. John Chrysostom is cited by my study Bible as teaching that not only the saints, but all people have guardian angels.  But the angels of humble people have greater boldness and greater honor before the face of God because of the humility of the person they guard.  It's not the nature of God, but rather the weakness of human beings, that requires the service of angels.  

"What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."  My study Bible comments that, unlike earthly shepherds, Christ sees such value in one sheep that He will leave the others at risk to save it.  The ninety-nine sheep represent the righteous who remain faithful to God (Luke 15:7).  According to certain patristic teachings, this is also an image of the Incarnation in which the ninety-nine represent the angels in heaven; Christ descended from heaven to pursue the one sheep -- humankind -- who had fallen into corruption on earth.  

"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.  If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'  And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.  But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector."  Here Jesus gives a formula for Church discipline.  It's based on mutual correction in three expanding stages.  My study Bible characterizes it this way, that sin and correction are to remain private unless the offender refuses to repent.  It notes that all correction must be done with great care and humility, with the highest concern being the salvation of the offender (see 1 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:1).  But nonetheless, correction must take place so that the sin doesn't spread to others as well. 

 

"Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.  Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."   My study Bible tells us that the authority to bind and loose sins is given to the apostles and transmitted to the bishops and presbyters whom they ordained.  This authority is given for the sake of the salvation of the sinner.  St. John Chrysostom is once again cited, who says that the sinner, "seeing that he is not only cast out of the Church, but that the bond of his sin will remain in Heaven, he may turn and become gentle."

Today's reading involves matters of the Church.   In all the Gospels, Jesus only uses the word "Church" twice, and both times are found in St. Matthew's Gospel.  The first was at the time of St. Peter's confession of faith that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the living God."  Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.  And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it" (see this reading).  The second time Jesus uses the word Church is here in today's reading.  My study Bible gives a definition of Church, beginning with the word in the Greek of the Gospels, which is  ἐκκλησία/ekklisia, meaning those "called out," or the "assembly."   In other words, the faithful are called out of the world to be the Church, which is the body of Christ, the Bride of Christ, the New Israel.  It is understood as the ark of Salvation and the assembly of believers, in which we seek right relationship to God.  Through the Church, my study Bible adds, Christians are united to Christ and to each other.  As Christ is head of the Church, it is a reflection of His Incarnation with both His divine and human qualities; thus a place for the community to receive grace in the sacraments, and the truth of the gospel message.  The mystical transformation of the people into one body in Christ happens through the Eucharist.  So, in that context, Christ's emphasis on the care of the little ones, and His system of mutual correction, become understood more deeply as that which is best conducive to community and communion, within which grace must be at work.  Ultimately, as we have commented in recent readings, the Church must be a place where faith can flourish among community in order to facilitate this mystical reality of its reflection of the Incarnation, with both divine and human elements.  This is why the Church remains a great mystery, and not an entity devised through completely human terms alone.  Whatever problems we see, somehow it continues, and it contains the whole communion of saints.  Thus, Christ's teachings about discipline, with an emphasis on the stewardship of the little ones, becomes an expression of how heaven cares for God's children, as told to us in the glimpse given us of the angels of the little ones who "always see the face of My Father who is in heaven."  When we worship in Church, we are also to understand the angelic worship which happens continually in heaven, and how we also participate with the angels.  Thus this divine-human organism of the entire Church pervades many more dimensions simultaneously than we can understand, and also works in hidden ways that we don't see, even as it is among us and even within us (Luke 17:21).  In this light, let us consider Jesus' teaching for discipline and correction, as this facilitates the proper working of the Church in our community.  The mystical working of grace is not "magic," it requires our participation and our faith, as well as our discipline and correction of sin.  In this light, let us look at another element of that divine/human cooperation. Jesus says, "Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.  Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."  Keeping this in mind, in such a powerful context of both heaven and earth, let us endeavor to participate in the fullness of the ways He asks.

 

 

The Son of Man has come to save that which was lost

 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.  For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.  What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one who is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.  If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'  And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.  But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.  Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.  Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

- Matthew 18:10-20

Yesterday we read that that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"  (This is just after the second prophesy Jesus has given them of His suffering, death and Resurrection.)  Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.   But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.  Woe to the world because of offenses!  For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!  If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you.  It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire.  And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you.  It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire."

 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven."  St. John Chrysostom teaches that not only the saints, but all people have guardian angels.  But, my study bible notes, the angels of humble people have greater boldness and greater honor before the face of God because of the humility of the person that they guard.  It is not the nature of God, but the weakness of human beings, that requires the service of the angels.

"For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.  What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one who is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."  Here is a display of the love of God.  Christ sees such value in one sheep that He will leave the others at risk to save it (unlike earthly shepherds, my study bible adds).  The ninety-nine sheep represent the righteous who remain faithful to God (Luke 15:7).  In accordance with some patristic writers, this is also an image of the Incarnation:  the ninety-nine represent the angels in heaven; Christ descended from heaven to pursue the one sheep -- humankind -- who had fallen into corruption on earth.

"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.  If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'  And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.  But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector."  Jesus gives us a model for Church discipline, which is based on mutual correction in three expanding stages.  Sin and correction, my study bible notes, remain private unless the offender refuses to repent (note that this mirrors Jesus' own behavior, as He corrects His disciples in private; see for example this reading).  All correction has to be done with great care and humility (see 7:3-5), with the highest concern being the salvation of the offender (see 1 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:1).  However, correction is necessary so that sin does not spread to others as well.

"Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.  Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."   My study bible says that the authority to bind and loose sins is given to the apostles and transmitted to the bishops and presbyters they ordained.  This authority is given for the sake of the salvation of the sinner.  St. John Chrysostom writes that "seeing that he is not only cast out of the Church, but that the bond of his sin will remain in Heaven, [the sinner] may turn and become gentle."

Jesus presents the disciples with teachings about how His Church is to function after His death, Resurrection, and Ascension.  They don't know yet how events will unfold.  He's just given them two warnings about what is to come, telling them that He will be raised on the third day.  In yesterday's reading, their concerns came to light when they asked who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  It's likely they expect the worldly eternal kingdom of the Messiah in accordance with popular understanding, and so they ask about their positions in this coming kingdom.  But Jesus prepares them for what is come, teaching first of all about humility ("whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven").  In today's reading He gives us a model for correction in the Church, but begins with the model of God's love, teaching about the effort to save all, and in particularly those who are straying.  He pictures God as one of us, rejoicing over finding what was lost more than all that had remained.  Indeed, He gives them the word that He Himself is sent into the world as human being in order to save that which was lost.   And here we get the true "flavor" of Christ' ministry and the Church.  The Church is here to save that which was lost, to call us back to where we belong.  We are all imperfect beings, but we are meant to grow in likeness to our Creator, and this is the purpose of the Church:  to teach us to find the way to do that, to show us the way.  It is, in that sense, a portal, a doorway to the Kingdom, in which Christ Himself is the door (see John 10:9-16).  In the same passage in John, Jesus also calls Himself the good shepherd.  He's the one who gives His life for the sheep.  In this is an illustration of God's love, and in particular for those whose angels always see the face of "My Father who is in heaven."  Let us consider what it is to be a stray, a lost sheep.  Perhaps many of us have had this experience.  To be astray is not to really know where we are going, wandering far and wide from the place where we really need to be and where we have belonging, and in particular, a deep love.  It is always God's deep love missing from lives that are astray, and it is that love that pulls us back.  He will wander far and wide, our Good Shepherd who comes to the ends of the earth to find His sheep.  That is the kind of love that does not abandon, even when everyone else has (Psalm 27:10-11).  It is the king of love that will lead us back when we have no guide.  He is present with us when we call on Him.  It is this kind of love the disciples are to learn, and we who seek to carry His light must remember our call as well. 

Where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them

"Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

- Matthew 18:10-20

In yesterday's reading, the disciples came and asked Jesus, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Jesus drew to him a child and told them, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes! If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire."

"Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven." Jesus continues to speak of the "little ones" in the Church, the ones like little children, the meek and humble. My study bible notes here: "No one should despise humble Christians, because their guardian angels occupy foremost positions before God. . . . It is not the nature of God, but the weakness of men, which requires the angels' service. There are sent for the sake of those who will inherit salvation. (Heb. 1:14)." The point is that we must not forget the care with which God cares for each one.

"For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish." We get the picture of the Good Shepherd, the gracious will of the loving Father in heaven, with regard to the essential importance of each little one. This picture is perhaps stark by contrast. My study bible has another quotable note: "The search for the lost sheep is an act of God in mercy and love for each person who goes astray. No first-century Palestinian shepherd would dare leave ninety-nine to find one, lest the wolves come and devour the flock (Luke 15:4). But God's love is so great He would see even the one that is straying." This picture of the Good Shepherd teaches us not only about God's love, but also God's omnipresent nature: God is there with each one of us; wherever we stray, God still seeks (Psalm 139:7).

"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector." Here Jesus sets out a formula for relationships within the Church. My study bible calls it a "classic form of Church discipline based on mutual correction, in three expanding stages." But we note the first verse, and its emphasis on the possibilities of reconciliation. Also, it's important to understand that sin and offense are not covered over, not merely ignored, but openly discussed and resolved. It begins in private, unless the offender fails to repent, to change his or her mind, to reconsider. My study bible says that in those cases, Christ teaches that the issue may have to be made public and corporate, coming before the whole Church. It adds, "All discipline must be done with great care and humility, for it is easy to be hypocritical in the way we judge."

"Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." The message in these verses concerning the Church community teaches us about this community of the kingdom that Christ wishes to bring into the world, and how it should work. The emphasis is on humility and on mutual correction. But moreover this community is created by God, in the Person of the Holy Spirit, and therefore the power at work within it is something other than merely worldly. Again, a note is helpful here: "Temporal rulers have the power of binding, but they bind only the body. God, however, binds with a bond which pertains to the soul itself, a power which God has not given even to angels. God is with us. He has a special presence in heaven and in every church as well, through His grace and the sacraments. Mutual correction, which sometimes necessitates expulsion from the community, makes the Church strong and invincible through the love of Christ."

In today's reading, we begin to get a sense of this Church, and how Christ wishes for it to operate as a community, with God's presence among us. My study bible says that "the term church, which occurs only in Matthew among the Gospels, refers to the people of God, the community of faith. Jesus came to establish a congregation, gathered by Him and united with Him, in the power of the Holy Spirit." In today's verses, we begin to get a sense of what this church looks like and how it operates. It is clear He does not expect everything to go absolutely smoothly! Offenses will come, as He has said (in yesterday's reading). He has given us a formula for how they should be resolved and reconciled. Let us recall that it is all couched first in a formula for the leadership that counsels primary among all things humility, a reverence for the little ones, and the requirement even that they become as a little child before entering into the kingdom of heaven. So let us take this picture altogether, and it is one of grace, a great grace that permeates all of its meanings and values. What kind of leadership do we have in the church? Is it one in touch with these teachings? Is there love and grace that permeates it all? Or are offenses lost in a sea of gossip, or secrecy a convenient means of coverup? What is openly faced and discussed, and hence resolved and reconciled? Let it be a lesson to all of us of the model that Christ favors in all our disputes.