Greg Friedman, OFM

The first son who thought better of his initial refusal and eventually went to work truly carried out his father’s will. Those who sin can change.

Life often isn’t fair, and people frequently blame God for that. But in terms of Jesus’ story from today’s Gospel, God’s fairness is different from ours.

We all must examine our consciences. How often would you or I forgive an offense from the same person? “As many as seven times?” as Peter asks.

Jesus’ plan for dealing with someone in the community who sins urges us to begin “one on one,” so as to minimize the embarrassment or good reputation of the person.

For us, the challenge of the gospel remains real. We want to save face, keep from rocking the boat, avoid the embarrassment of taking an unpopular stand. But at what cost?

In today’s Gospel reading Matthew relates a story that shows how a mission to the Gentiles could still respect the historical role of Israel in first hearing the Good News.