"Love is the fulfillment of the law."

This weekend we hear St. Paul say the following: "Love is the fulfillment of the law." This statement seems self-explanatory, telling us that the point of the law and all the rules and regulations of a life in Christ and of the Church are about helping us to love. When our hearts are truly transformed, love becomes our rule and so the laws and rules that are set up to protect us from hatred and oppression are naturally obeyed through it.

But what about when this isn't the case? What about when rules are disregarded and disobeyed? What about when people take advantage of us and our love? This is what Sunday's first reading and Gospel are dealing with. Each of them contain instructions and advice on how to deal with people in our own communities, our brothers and sisters in Christ, who refuse to follow the laws of love or who take advantage of the community and those within it. The first reading makes it clear that we must not be afraid to confront and to warn people. And the Gospel makes the case for multiple attempts and then a final (and hopefully unneeded) recourse of excommunication from the community, with Jesus even saying "treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector."

All of this seems foreign to us in a permissive and individualistic culture. We always cling to Jesus' command not to judge, but aren't always so sure how to handle when people clearly and purposely go against the Gospel and the Church. Let us not fool ourselves into thinking that these conversations are easy or quick, for Jesus' words make it clear that there is much discernment necessary. But Jesus also does not suggest a constant cycle of non-judgement and conflict avoidance. The key to it all: making sure love is the deciding and motivating factor always, and that whatever we do is done with gentleness and mercy.

So, let us pray today that we may grow in our ability to love! As love takes hold, we are better able to be beacons of light and grace in the world. We are also better able to discern when it is right to speak up and out to those who may need it, and to do so with kindness and gentleness. For, as St. Francis de Sales reminds us, "Correction is naturally bitter, but when mixed with the sugar of loving kindness, and warmed by the fire of charity, it becomes more acceptable, gracious and even cordial."

Want to prepare your heart and mind for Mass this weekend? Click here to find the readings for this Sunday's Mass.