The 17th Sunday After Pentecost, (Proper 18A), Sept. 7, 2008
BCP: Ezek. 33:(1-6) 7-11; Psalm 119:33-48 or 119:33-40; Rom. 12:9-21; Matt. 18:15-20
RCL: Exod. 12:1-14 and Psalm 149; or Ezek. 33:7-11 and Psalm 119:33-40; Rom. 13:8-14; Matt. 18:15-20
In the most familiar verse in today’s gospel passage, Jesus says, “where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matt. 18:20). This passage is sometimes quoted in a jocular way after church, for instance, on a holiday weekend when attendance at a parish worship service is meager. The implication is that we shouldn’t worry about church attendance because however many of us there are, even two or three of us, Christ will still be present.
But in the verses leading up to this text, Jesus is addressing a broader problem: Wherever two or three human beings gather together, there is a potential for conflict. In season and out, this problem is endemic. Children argue over toys; neighbors argue over noise. The most minor sparks can generate major amounts of heat.
And this is an important fact about church disputes: They are often about relatively unimportant issues. Secular courts often seem mystified by the litigation generated by Anglican factions seeking to gain or retain parish assets. The disputants’ worship customs and professed doctrines seem so similar that it is not at all apparent why they are taking the court’s time. They seem to be at each other’s throats over tiny differences of opinion.
Individual disputes within parishes often center on issues like the color of paint in the church kitchen or the choice of hymns on Christmas Eve.
Whether or not the patient suggestions in Matthew’s gospel for resolving disputes among Christians have practical import today, the general implication that Christians can do much better than they are currently doing is incontrovertible. Addressing conflict, lawyers employ what they call “dispute resolution.” Through face-to-face mediation and arbitration, attorneys attempt to avoid lengthy trials. And these less rigid and costly approaches to conflict can be helpful for Christians, too, as the gospel indicates.
The real point of the story is found in its concluding assertion that wherever Christ’s followers are gathered, they already share sacred ground: Christ himself. “I am there among them.”
Look It Up
Paul advised Christians to avoid going to civil courts to settle their disputes (1 Cor. 6:1-8).
Think About It
Are there disputes you have been embroiled in that might have been more easily resolved if you had looked for common spiritual ground with your opponent?
Next Sunday
The 18th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19A), Sept. 14, 2008
BCP: Ecclus. 27:30-28:7; Psalm 103 or 103:8-13; Rom. 14:5-12; Matt. 18:21-35
RCL: Exod. 14:19-31 and Psalm 114 or Exod. 15:1b-11,20-21; or Gen. 50:15-21 and Psalm 103:(1-7), 8-13; Rom. 14:1-12; Matt. 18:21-35
