Ezekiel is appointed as a sentry over Israel with a solemn duty to faithfully teach what he hears God saying and to correct the sinner. As sentry, he is to be held accountable for his faithfulness in following God’s command.

Jesus does something similar with the disciples. In instructing them in the manner in which disputes should be resolved, he also gives them authority to ‘bind and loose’ and to reconcile – but always in His name. It sounds odd that Jesus would ask that an unrepentant person should be treated like a tax-collector - but keep in mind the way in which Jesus himself treated tax-collectors... always with love! That is why Paul speaks of the debt of mutual love towards our neighbour.

God calls us to love even in the moments when we have to correct others.

How much are you willing to reach out in love to win back a member of your community? As much as Jesus loves you?