Today's Gospel reminds that there is no such thing as a private sin. Each one is a member of Christ's Body. Every wrong thing I do somehow does harm to the overall holiness of that Body, the community to which I belong. That is why we need the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which is a public act. We do not go just to have God forgive our sins but also to receive the forgiveness of the whole community. And, as the Gospel indicates, certain serious wrongdoings will make us unfit to be members of the community unless we change our ways, become reconciled once more with our community and be welcomed back to the Eucharistic Table. The Gospel also urges us, where possible, to make reconciliation in a face-to-face encounter. It is so expedient to use the Sacrament as an easy way out. Reconciliation is not complete until the wound with the community or one hurt member is fully healed.