The readings today focus on relationships and care of one another.  Based on the commandments and especially “Love your neighbor as yourself”, we are to treat each other as we would like to be treated. Most of us know someone whose love is evident by how they treat others and how they live.  Loving your neighbor is a visible expression of everything Jesus taught.  Who is our neighbor???  Our neighbor is everyone with whom we have contact, and LOVE is what makes it all work. This means family, relatives, friends, acquaintances, co-workers, etc. who share various degrees in a relationship.

We all know that relationships are not perfect.  Many factors contribute to conflict, misunderstanding or disagreement in all kinds of situations.  Some are quickly and quietly resolved; others take longer periods of time, or never get resolved…hurt feelings never heal. How sad!  In today’s Gospel, Jesus offers some suggestions.

The strongest thread or lifeline is COMMUNICATION.  It is important to keep the conversation open and constant… and to remember that Jesus said, “where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them”.  Jesus is there present to guide the process of reconciliation and healing, and help us realize we are a BLESSING to one another.