In today's Gospel reading, Matthew makes reconciliation and forgiveness a pressing concern for all followers of Christ. It reminds us of the interactive function of behaviour of members of a Christian community. Christian fellowship is a powerful witness to Christ's message of Love. We are aware that serious offences of any follower of Christ affect the spiritual well-being of that whole community. As such 'Prayer' as in verse 19 (If two or three are gathered in my name, I will be in their midst) is considered a community effort to intercede for the members who are 'lost' in the community and who need special care. This is affirmed in the first reading (Ez. 33:7-9). So the main purpose is to work towards reconciliation. This is enhanced by the awareness that Christ is in our midst to shepherd our decisions and actions.

The power of prayer reveals the power of Christ's presence within the community of believers. In fact this is the central part of Christian living. It is in prayer that we meet Jesus and live in His presence. This form of prayer also reflects the most basic element of our Christian faith - the commandment of love. St Paul in his letter to the Romans as in the second reading (Rom. 13:8-10) reaffirms that 'we must love our neighbours as ourselves.'