Newsletter September 6th 2026 / 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Speaking the Truth in Love

Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to scroll past someone’s mistake, or bite your tongue to avoid an awkward conversation, than it is to lovingly correct a brother or sister?

· In this Sunday’s readings, God challenges us to step out of our comfort zones. He reminds us that true Christian community isn’t built on passive silence or avoiding conflict; it is built on active, courageous, and tender love.

· In the first reading, the prophet Ezekiel is given a stark warning: if he fails to speak up and warn the wicked, he shares in their fate. While this sounds heavy, it speaks to our fundamental interconnectedness. We are our keeper’s keeper. Fast forward to the Gospel, and Jesus gives us a masterclass in conflict resolution. He doesn’t suggest gossip, public shaming, or cutting people off. Instead, He outlines a path of dignity: go to the person privately. Speak the truth face-to-face.

· Why? Because the goal of Christian correction is never to win an argument; it is to win back a soul.

· St. Paul ties this all together in our second reading with his famous reminder: “Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another.” Love, Paul tells us, is the fulfilment of the law. But true love isn’t just a warm feeling—it is a commitment to the ultimate well-being of the other person. Sometimes, loving someone means having the hard conversation. It means risking temporary discomfort for the sake of eternal reconciliation.

This week, let us ask the Holy Spirit for two things: the courage to speak up when we need to correct with love, and the humility to listen when others offer us correction. After all, wherever two or three are gathered—whether in harmony or in the messy process of healing—Christ is right there in the midst of us.