19th Week in Ordinary Times : Wednesday, 12th August 2026

In the vision of Ezekiel, the cross marked on the forehead is a sign of those who deplore sin. Reading it now with a Christian lens, this sign bears all the privileges and responsibilities of authentic Christian discipleship.

Thus, when Jesus says in Matthew: “If he listens to you, you have won back your brother,” it calls forth a Christian to make the first move in charity and humility for reconciliation. Often it demands one to go against the gravity of inertia, and at the same time, acknowledging the presence of an unbridled ego too. All these can hinder God’s healing and forgiveness. In humility one seeks to plead for the help of the Holy Spirit to “come, bend the stubborn heart and will… melt the frozen, warm the chill” – to chip away the illusion of the prideful ego and reveal often a hurting and frightened heart within.

We can then ask honestly: “What are my unmet needs here? What are the imagined injustices I suffered in this situation?” Thus, I pray to God to create in me a pure heart, and put a steadfast spirit within me so that I can approach my brother or sister, and be well-disposed in my attitude to welcome the outcome that God wants to give. Sincere spiritual preparation over and above any mediation skills, if possessed by one, will go a long way to facilitate a disarming, humble and warm fraternal reconciliation.

PRAYER Set my heart free today, O God, to move me to reconciliation.