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?

Matthew sees Jesus as a new Moses, who went up the mountain to teach the new Law and envisioned a relationship of mutual respect and responsibility for all in the Church community.

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.

The perception of the prophet to discern God in an unlikely place, and the courage of Peter to take a bold step to meet Jesus: Those are the qualities I’m praying for this Sunday.

Our Sunday Mass nourishes us, prepares us, even obliges us to feed the hungry seeking nourishment and healing.