Today’s Scripture readings are Sirach 27:30-28:7, Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12, Romans 14:7-9, and Matthew 18:21-35. In reading these verses, we need to remember that community and honor were very important, actually essential, in the ancient world
As we consider these lessons, we might wonder how people avoided sinning, which referred to shaming or dishonoring another, and we see they aren’t always able to do so.
When they sinned, or missed the mark, they were expected to confess, request forgiveness, and make amends. If they did not, they faced the consequence of losing connection with the community.
For people in ancient times, this likely meant death or imprisonment (which might also have resulted in death). This is not normally the case in the Western world today; however, following the old expectations of confession, requesting forgiveness, and making amends can still be the only way to allow the continuation of connections with another.