We live in a conflicted country in a conflicted time. Today's gospel reading from Matthew reminds us that conflict is part of life in community, including Christian communities. When conflicts arise, instead of speaking about people, Jesus says speak to people, and always with this goal in mind: reconciliation. When all else fails, treat them like a Gentile or tax collector, Jesus says. In other words, treat them like someone in need of the gospel. Matthew, the writer of this gospel, was himself was a tax collector -- and Jesus reached out to him in love. This is the one thing we one another, writes the apostle Paul in today's reading from Romans: "Owe one no one anything, except to love one another. For the one who loves one another has fulfilled the law." (Romans 12:8)

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Mass of Restoration – Josh Blakesley and Leland G. “Grae” McCullough, IV

Psalm Refrain text and Music: Hal H. Hopson, and copyright (c) 2008 Birnamwood/MoringStar Music Publishers in this publication. Tune: PROSPECT, from William Walker, SouthernvHarmony, 1835 (PD). Verse text: Michael Morgan, alt., and copyright (c) from Psalter for Christian Worship, Witherspoon Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved.