Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

"If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone." Jesus tells us the most simple way to avoid conflict is to resolve it between you and the other individual. Christ goes on to tell us that if the individual doesn't listen to the church that person is to you like a "Gentile and a tax collector." Anytime there are people that gather there will be conflict. Someone will feel left out or mistreated and every attempt should be made to make them feel welcome. It is extremely easy to go along with the crowd, or to only associate with the individuals that are most like ourselves. However, Christ would have us do just the opposite. Jesus says, "where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." Is church not a place that we gather together to seek to worship in Spirit and in truth? St. Paul has embarked on an odyssey to really help the greater community with the resources we are able to provide. Perhaps this mission allows us to gather together in our bond of community to have Christ among us. After all, is Christ not the reason we celebrate every Sunday? Ask yourself what you can do to have others feel welcome. Christ says, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Our Lord advised us "for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law; love your neighbor as yourself; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law." May St. Paul be a place where we love our neighbor as ourselves. I hope we all find comfort and community with one another. God help us to always be ready to receive others with open arms. Amen.

**Remember prayer for healing especially concerning: Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, Vicki Fagiana, Pete & Mary Jane Walburg, Christopher Geagley, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Misty McCoy, Madeline Vaught, Nathan McConnell, Darren Albano, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, and Susan Beeler.**

Collect:
GRANT US, O LORD, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

(1st Reading Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40, 2nd Reading Romans 13:8-14, Holy Gospel Matthew 18:15-20)