A WORD FOR TODAY 11 AUGUST 2021

*A WORD FOR TODAY

*MAKE HONEST EFFORT TOWARDS RECONCILIATION

_“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother."(Matthew 18:15)_

_*Today in the gospel reading we see Jesus give his disciples instruction on how to manage conflicts, quarrels and misunderstanding and how to get it resolved. His words can easily be termed, 'Reconciliation Code'*_

_First we have to note that as long as we are in the world as humans, we are bound to experience conflicts from time to time. People will offend us through their words and actions and we can do same to others._

_*However, as children of God it is not good for us to bear grudges in our heart and refuse to forgive those who have offended us. The first thing to do is to talk with the person who have offended you and thrash it out with the person privately without getting any other person involved. This will help you not to humiliate the person, but show them unconditional love like Jesus has shown to us.*_

_When this does not work, you do not give up, instead, you take a step further by taking some persons to go with you. If the person still refuses to yield to your gesture of reconciliation, then you can tell it to the church. Then if he refuses to listen to the Church, then you will take him as a Gentile or tax collector._

_*Taking him as a tax collector does not mean to abandon him, instead, it means that you will now put extra effort, by way of prayer and love to see that you win the person(s) heart back to God.*_

_Reconciliation is key to our happiness here in earth. Strive to settle any issue you may have with anyone. Yes, you will not be able to please everybody by what you do, but always have love in your heart to reach out to those who may have some issues with you. Show them love and win them over to God, even if they are the ones who have offended you. Initiate the process and do not give up until their hearts are won over to God. Do not be too proud, come down, humble yourself and begin the journey today and God will help you to succeed._

_*Today we celebrate the memorial of St. Clare/Chiara (1193-1253). She was inspired by the preaching of St. Francis to follow the way of Christian poverty. She founded the poor Clares and together with her sister and others strive everyday to help the poor. Let us learn from her to be kind to the poor and needy who come around us.*_

_Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a blessed day. May God's grace help you to reconcile with those who have offended you. Amen. *And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen*_

*Meditation:* Deuterenomy 34:1-12/Psalm 66:1-3, 5,8,16-17/Matthew 18:15-20

*Watch-Word:* whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

(Wednesday of the 19th week in the Ordinary time. Year 1. Memorial of St. Clare.)