Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 18) – September 6, 2026
“So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven 
that one of these little ones should perish.” 
- Matthew 18:14 -
We are witnesses. That is our calling as disciples of Jesus. One of our vocational callings is to lead people to Jesus. Sadly, the opposite may also be true. How often have we led people away from Jesus because of our own sins. Jesus warned about those who would inhibit a person’s relationship with Jesus. “…but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” (vs. 6).
One of the temptations we face is that of self-righteousness. The question of greatness is one of self-interest. Behind the question is that of looking for rewards or achievements where we might “win” the prize of greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Greatness in the kingdom is centered in a holy, childlike trust in God. 
Seeking greatness is not the only temptation we face in this life. When someone sins against us the human temptation is to react in like manner. The world’s message is to not only get even, but to make sure everyone knows about the great sin that has been committed against you. We post on social media the sin perpetrated against us. We seek to rally people to our side. Sometimes we just want people to see how “evil” those who have a different opinion are than us. 
This is not the way it is to be for followers of Jesus. We are taught to forgive. Jesus taught us to pray, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us! Jesus further modeled this from the cross as he prayed “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34). 
We best witness to Jesus when we seek the one who has gone astray with the intention of reconciliation. We best witness to Jesus when we speak directly to the offender. Jesus continues the process of what happens if the offender does not listen. The aim of the process is not to vilify the one who offended, but by the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us, lead them back to Christ. 	
Prayer: Heavenly Father, lead us to forgive those who sinned against us, following the example of Jesus who abundantly forgives us. Amen.
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 18) – September 6, 2026
“So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven 
that one of these little ones should perish.” 
- Matthew 18:14 -
We are witnesses. That is our calling as disciples of Jesus. One of our vocational callings is to lead people to Jesus. Sadly, the opposite may also be true. How often have we led people away from Jesus because of our own sins. Jesus warned about those who would inhibit a person’s relationship with Jesus. “…but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” (vs. 6).
One of the temptations we face is that of self-righteousness. The question of greatness is one of self-interest. Behind the question is that of looking for rewards or achievements where we might “win” the prize of greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Greatness in the kingdom is centered in a holy, childlike trust in God. 
Seeking greatness is not the only temptation we face in this life. When someone sins against us the human temptation is to react in like manner. The world’s message is to not only get even, but to make sure everyone knows about the great sin that has been committed against you. We post on social media the sin perpetrated against us. We seek to rally people to our side. Sometimes we just want people to see how “evil” those who have a different opinion are than us. 
This is not the way it is to be for followers of Jesus. We are taught to forgive. Jesus taught us to pray, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us! Jesus further modeled this from the cross as he prayed “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34). 
We best witness to Jesus when we seek the one who has gone astray with the intention of reconciliation. We best witness to Jesus when we speak directly to the offender. Jesus continues the process of what happens if the offender does not listen. The aim of the process is not to vilify the one who offended, but by the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us, lead them back to Christ. 
Prayer: Heavenly Father, lead us to forgive those who sinned against us, following the example of Jesus who abundantly forgives us. Amen.