Message from Rev. Fritzner Bellonce

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Brothers and Sisters, ,
“If you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from his way, I will hold you responsible.” - Ezekiel 33:8
We are called to be watchmen and watchwomen. What is a watchman? A watchman is someone entrusted with watching, guarding, and protecting others. In Sacred Scripture, the watchman has an even deeper responsibility: to observe, recognize danger, warn others, and help guide them toward what is right.

God appointed the prophet Ezekiel as a watchman over the house of Israel. His mission was not simply to watch, but to announce, warn, correct, and guide the people. A watchman speaks because he cares.

In today's Gospel, Jesus applies this responsibility to our relationships with one another: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.” — Matthew 18:15

Jesus teaches us that fraternal correction is not about punishment, revenge, or humiliation. Its purpose is reconciliation and healing. When someone hurts us, we are called to speak with that person directly and lovingly rather than gossiping or holding a grudge.

Through Baptism, we have become members of one body and one family. Therefore, we have a responsibility toward one another. We are, indeed, our brothers' and sisters' keepers.

As John Donne reminds us, “No man is an island.” We need one another, and we are called to carry one another's burdens.

Today, Jesus invites each of us to become a faithful watchman or watchwoman: someone who cares enough to warn, correct with love, forgive generously, and work for reconciliation.

Sin separates; forgiveness reconciles.
Wounds divide; love heals.
Gossip destroys community; fraternal correction builds it.

May God give us the courage to speak with love, the humility to listen, and the grace to forgive. May we always remember that we belong to one another as members of the one Body of Christ.

Rev. Fritzner J. Bellonce
Pastor