The Nazareth Page-A gospel meditation for your home

September 6, 2026 – Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time- Matthew 18:15-20

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
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Today’s gospel contains one of my most treasured and sometimes my least favorite gospel passages. I refer to Jesus saying that whenever we are with one or two others, God is there as well. 

 First, here is why I like it. God is present in all our pleasant social encounters. As married for over sixty years, I know that God is there every single day. Whenever I am with one or more of our children, there too is God. When I greet a neighbor, God is right there. The same when I shop at Costco, God looks on as I load a very large box of cereal into my cart.

 There are two aspects of this worth reflection. First, I am assured that God is aware of me. Even when I am distracted and have no conscious thought about God. There are so many distractions, especially when shopping. Admittedly I can go a whole day without thinking about the immediate presence of God. In fact, I may not be at all conscious of God’s presence for days. That is a definite loss.

Especially when I am aware of God’s presence, the more meaningful is that moment. It’s one of the major challenges of being alive. To be aware of God with us! God loving me and whoever else is present in that moment.

 Now, let’s reflect on this matter from a somewhat negative perspective. It involves the responsibilities we face in all social encounters. God is there with certain expectations of us in these engagements, however small or fleeting.

 We are invited to be consciously engaged whenever in all social settings. We are to respect and respond to the person or persons that we are with. We are to notice each other. Look others in the eye. Make real contact with them.  Listen to their words. Help them if they are in need. Respect all whoever they may me.

 In conclusion, every social encounter is an opportune moment, a sacred and blessed moment. So much of our lives is constituted by social moments that are spiritually significant. Being a Christian includes not just engaging in quiet individual prayerful moments with God but also daily sacred moments of encounter with those we share life with on planet Earth. In all of these social and sacred moments, God is there, hidden of course, yet waiting and watching and listening to us. And enjoying us.

David M. Thomas, PhD