Go and Tell—Carefully!
Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Ezekiel 33:7–9 / Psalm 95:8 / Romans 13:8–10 / Matthew 18:15–20
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Reflecting on the Word
By Dr. Karla J. Bellinger
A watchman’s duty is well-defined: if an enemy ship is seen in the harbor, sound the alarm; if you don’t disclose the danger, then you are the one responsible for your city’s destruction. Jesus’ mandate to call out “a brother” is also clear: when there is a shining love between you and a fellow child of God, by all means, go and talk to him or her about the misdeed and try to set things straight.
But what if the relationship involves power? As we strive toward a climate of transparency in our church and in our culture, how to enact this Gospel grows murkier. Should you surface management mistakes to your boss? Must you speak to a parent about dishonesty? Do you disclose a superior’s misdeeds? Power stays in power by fear. When do you speak up? If you reveal “wickedness,” because of the power imbalance you may have to put up with anger, retribution, and the loss of your good name. “Go and tell” is a tricky directive in an environment of dominance. Those on the underside of power have been silent for centuries.
How do we determine what the Lord is calling us to say and do? John the Baptist spoke truth to power and was beheaded. Jesus remained silent before Herod and was crucified anyway. How much risk can we take? How do we find clear direction when we feel as though we’re walking in a fog?
In prayer and discernment with others, we ask: What does God want me to do? What is my motive for opening this conversation? Will speaking up worsen the situation? Like Ezekiel, if God is unmistakably calling you to “be a sentinel,” then proceed carefully, but in courage do proceed. Jesus himself suggests that we have a back-up plan ready.
Consider/Discuss
- Think of situations when you have said nothing about wrongs that you have endured. What was the reason for your silence? In hindsight, what could you have done differently? As you talk this through with others, how might that discussion help you to handle a sticky situation that you are in right now?
- St. Paul says to “owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another.” That is a real challenge. How can we grow into that inner freedom, that degree of boundlessness when we totally release our fear of others? How can we grow to be indebted only to God?
Living and Praying with the Word
Lord Jesus, you found yourself in many sticky situations. You know how tangled human life can be. As we gather together in your name, be here in our midst and give us clarity. Over and over again, you said in the Gospels, “Do not be afraid.” But sometimes we are afraid to speak up. Sometimes it is right to be cautious about speaking up. Send us your Holy Spirit in abundance to reveal to us the best direction to take. Mother Mary, untangler of knots, pray for us!