In the Gospel reading Jesus tells his disciples and listeners that it is very important that disputes and disagreements be settled well.
What would it be to live in a community where disagreements and disputes could be settled with love, thoughtfulness and depth? Pope Francis’ celebration of an Extraordinary Year of Mercy is a living practice of what Jesus says in the Gospel reading.
The challenge for all of us in our relationships and interaction with others is to be able to live and accept differences in opinion and way of life with understanding and respect. We are called to be careful and mindful of our prejudices and pre-judgments of others. We are encouraged to be able to understand, respect and forgive others who may differ from us.
We are reminded to go beyond our emotions and to see unity and grace in the midst of negativity and pessimism. Understanding and mercy are love gone full circle.