9/11 and the readings remind us to be watchmen of our brothers and sisters!
9/11 and the readings remind us to be watchmen of our brothers and sisters!
I think a couple of years ago, I shared with you the life story of Gale Sayers, who played with the Chicago Bears back in the 1960s and ranks among the most excellent running back in the history of professional football. Around his neck, he always wore a gold medal about the size of a half-dollar. On it were inscribed three words: I am Third.
Those three words became the title of his best-selling autobiography. The book explains why the words meant so much to Gale. They were the motto of his track coach, Bill Easton, back at the University of Kansas.
Coach Easton kept the words on a little sign on his desk. One day Gale asked him what they meant. Easton replied, “The Lord is first, my friends are second, and I am third.” From that day on, Gale made those words his own philosophy of life.
In his second year with the Bears, Gale decided he wanted to wear something meaningful around his neck, like a religious medal. So he bought a gold medal and had the words I Am Third engraved on it. In his autobiography, Gale says, “I try to live by the saying on my medal. I don’t always succeed, but having the saying around my neck keeps me from staying from it too far.”
We are remembering the September 11. Let us try to imagine we were on the ground running to save our lives or running to someone else. What will be our mental and emotional condition? It is hard to explain. Today we remember all those who died on that day, all those who did heroic action to save life. Like Gale Sayers, they said, “I am third.” Let us remember them in prayer with a grateful heart and let us also pray for all those who are serving in different capacities: first responders and all others being ready to serve and do the sacrifice. This Sunday reading reminds us we are watchmen of brothers and sisters.
My reflection on readings, I would like to start from the second reading which summarizes the first reading and the Gospel. Paul says to Romans, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.” In the first reading, God makes Ezekiel the watchman for Israel. He must warn the people of Israel of their sinfulness. Otherwise, God will hold Ezekiel accountable. God gave Jeremiah (1:17) a similar instruction. Being a watchman for our brothers and sisters is an overwhelming responsibility. The word “watch” means to guard and protect. When the LOVE is involved then it becomes easier. For example, parents, look after their children. They watch their children grow, mature, and strike out on their own. I call it, it is their love journey. Being a watchman: as the Church, as an individual Christian- parent, teacher, and so on.
In the Gospel, Jesus instructs us on the responsibility of the disciple of Christ. The Gospel of Matthew 18:15-20 is followed by the parable of the lost sheep (10-14). In that parable, the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine on the hill and goes in search of the lost sheep. Today’s Gospel Jesus gives us, as a church and as an individual Christian to look for our sisters and brothers. Jesus gave a criteria to correct someone who sins against us. 1) Jesus asks us to confront our brother/sister in private. In the book of Leviticus 19:17, we read, “You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason with your neighbor, lest you bear sin because of him. Galatians 6:1 says, “Brethren if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourselves, lest you too be tempted.” 2) Jesus says that if we need further steps address the sin before two or three witnesses. In the Old Testament time, two or three witnesses is a criterion for judicial testimony (Deuteronomy 19:15). 3) The third option is bringing one before the Church.
As the Church, and as a disciple of Christ, the salvation of ours and others should be the most significant concern. James 5: 19-20 says, “My brothers if anyone among you should stray from the truth and someone brings him back, he should know that whoever brings him back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sin.” Jesus explains in the Gospel how important that we are there for one another. The emphasis is placed on reconciliation. We come together to celebrate the Eucharist, share from the same plate and chalice the love and life of Christ, and send out to proclaim the good news of oneness – being one in Christ.
Jesus Christ brought the gift of reconciliation through his passion, death, and resurrection. Today’s readings confront us with two aspects of the question. First, each one of us is called to conversion. Second, each one of us is the keeper of our sister and brother to bring them to Christ.