My dear brothers and sisters,

In the first reading, Ezekiel is told that he will be a “watchman for the house of Israel.” He is answerable to God for the spiritual well being of others. As spokesperson of God, he must convey God’s word to the people, but it will be their responsibility to accept that word and to follow its direction.

In the Gospel, Jesus said to his disciples: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.” (Matthew 18:15)

When someone hurts or disappoints us, it can be tempting to talk about what happened with someone else first. We may want others to understand our side, agree with us, or simply hear our frustration. Yet Jesus gives us a different way.

He tells us to go directly to the person.

There is wisdom in the words “between you and him alone.” Jesus is not asking us to embarrass someone, gather people against them, or prove that we are right. The purpose is to repair what has been damaged.

That takes courage. Speaking directly to someone can feel uncomfortable, especially when emotions are involved. But avoiding the person while discussing the problem with everyone else rarely brings healing. Resentment grows, assumptions take over, and a disagreement that could have been resolved between two people becomes something much bigger.

Jesus also says, “If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.” That tells us what the goal should be. It is not about winning an argument. It is about winning back a relationship.

We will not always receive the response we hope for. But we can choose to approach others with honesty, respect, and a genuine desire to make things right. Sometimes one sincere conversation can prevent months or even years of bitterness.

When someone hurts us, do we speak directly to that person with the hope of reconciliation, or do we find ourselves talking about the person instead?