The prophet Ezekiel describes the vision of the judgement of God in the city of Jerusalem. Like angels of death, the six men are called by God to advance through the city with a deadly weapon.

Before them, goes a man in white, chosen by God. He is charged with the responsibility of marking the foreheads of those who are to be delivered from death. Without pity or regard for gender or age, all others have to be destroyed.

As the severe punishment is carried out, Ezekiel asks God if all of Israel must be destroyed. God answers that the evil deeds of the people cannot go unpunished. Then, the man in white returns and says God's commands have been accomplished. The sins of the people have consequences. Not only are they punished, but soon God's glory departs from the Temple and the city of Jerusalem. The city is now without the protection of God.

In the Gospel passage, the writer describes what happens when a member of the Christian community sins. His or her sins affect the whole community. This is why various steps have to be taken when one Christian sins against another. Every effort has to be made to win the erring Christians back to the community. The decision to exclude an erring member is only made as a last resort.

God gives us numerous opportunities to repent and return to Him. Do we heed His call?