Jesus says, “Where two or three are gathered… I am there among them” (Matt. 18:20). But a good sociologist would tell you, “Where two or three are gathered…eventually there will be a feud.” Conflict is a part of relationships and life in community – even in Christian community. Jesus acknowledges as much in this same portion of Matthew, and this passage is often used in situations having to do with church discipline. All of the readings this week focus on the practical work of the gathered community: turning from sin to repentance, from conflict to reconciliation. The prophet Ezekiel warns the wicked to turn from their ways, and Paul reminds us that love does no wrong to a neighbor. God calls us into community knowing full well that being in community is hard. On this Labor Day weekend, we recognize that relationship and community are a labor of love.
