Mt 18:15-20 Are You Spiritual or Religious?

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
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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.  If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that 'every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.' ...For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

Spiritual or Religious?  Are you "Spiritual" or are you "Religious"? 

Nowadays, to be considered "Spiritual" means to loath organized religion with all its "trappings" and to gravitate towards a more personal/private relationship with the Lord.  Why bother going to Church when I can pray in the comfort of my own home and be all by myself? 

To be considered "Religious" means to be part of a community of believers who cherish all the parts of a body (i.e. the Mystical Body of Jesus Christ).  Religious people do not see doctrines or dogmas as rules but as the result of communal prayer and reflection.  Where two or more are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.    

We need each other.  I don't know about you, but I need you!  I need you in my life.  I need a community of believers that will help lift up my heart and soul and inspire me through their words and actions. 

I don't know about you, but I need your devotion and prayer life.  I need your voice and music.  Sure, I can sing to the Lord a new song, but I can't sing it as well as others, especially those who are in the choir!  Sure, the Lord may be tone deaf, but I'm not!  I need to hear the psalms intoned and the Alleluias sung well.  I need you!

I don't need a Church that will tell me that I am wrong when I know I am wrong.  I need a Church that will tell me that I am wrong when I am convinced I am right!  I need you!  I need you not only in my life but also in my face.    

To be "Spiritual" means to emphasize the I - like in island - in me.  To be "Religious" means to emphasize the We - like in World - in all of us.  As you can see, it is clear which of the two invites greater glory, vulnerability and risk to the individual.  Go for it! 

Thus says the Lord:  "If you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from his way, the wicked shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death" (Ez. 33:8).

All the great stories of the world are religious (community based) and have two common features:  personal greatness brought about by community awareness. 

Great people need not only great causes but people who help bring great causes to the forefront!

Of course being "Spiritual" has its advantages.  It can be very soothing and reassuring to the eyes, body, mind and soul.  My God thinks just like I do.  Isn't that amazing? 

Not so with the "Religious" being.  He has no where to hide.  In fact, he places himself in the midst of the hierarchy, his peers and critics.  He learns from others, especially from their mistakes.  Whereas the "Spiritual" being isolates himself out of fear of being wrong, the "Religious" being conquers his fear of being changed.

We need each other as well as the Lord.  No wonder the Lord gave us two Commandments:  Love God above all things and love your neighbor as yourself.