SYMMETRICAL
There are five great discourses in Matthew’s Gospel:
Sermon on the Mount (5-7)
Missionary Instruction (10)
Parables Plentiful (13)
Community Life (18)
End Times (22-24).
Matthew develops the first ever rule of life for a Christian community in chapter 18.
He does this using a symmetrical technique.
Think of an arc, with two foundation stones, one on the left and one on the right, and a keystone at the top, stopping the structure from collapsing.
The foundation stone on the left is conversion unlimited.
John the Baptist insisted on moral conversion, while Jesus insisted on filial conversion. That is, we are called to become increasingly aware that God is our Father, Abba. A lifelong journey.
The foundation stone on the right is forgiveness unlimited.
There is no love without forgiveness. There is no forgiveness without love.
Today’s Gospel is in the middle-right of the arc.
What to do with believers who are losing the plot?
Pray for them. Go to them and ‘speak the truth in love.’ If that doesn’t work, pray again and go two-by-two.
Communities suffer if people do the wrong thing without reproach.
We will no longer attract people to our beautiful way of life.
AMEN.
