SAINT Paul's letter to the Romans says: "All men have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

This means that everyone is a sinner and a lawbreaker before God. It also means everyone needs God's grace and redemption through Jesus Christ.

Today, my dear brothers and sisters, we are reminded that there is no perfect community, from the family to the local barangay, to the city or municipality; even churches are not exempt.

This is what Jesus is telling us because He knew beforehand that the church, or any community, for that matter, will never be perfect. There will be some members who could be considered "black sheep."

Even among the 12 apostles, there was one who betrayed Him. We should, therefore, never be surprised if a particular member of our community commits an error. Everyone, in fact, commits mistakes now and then. Jesus is telling us how to deal with erring members. First, talk to them in private. If this doesn't work, the community should decide, and Jesus Himself will be the supreme guide.

Here comes the problem in the Church leadership in today's era, where diocesan bishops quickly issue circulars regarding alleged erring priests or religions without first talking to them privately. I hope our readers understand what I am saying, especially the media practitioners, social media bloggers, and keyboard enthusiasts.

Jesus reminds us to turn away from the path of sin and evil and return once again to the Lord's loving embrace, to His Presence (as our professor in Liturgy, Sister Ma. Cecilia Payawal, PDDM, says) in the Eucharist.

We must reject the wicked ways of the world and all the temptations to sin that will lead us to disobey the Lord. The Lord constantly reminds us to avoid those who will bring us to eternal damnation.

We are reminded not to fall into those traps that Satan and his fellow forces of evil constantly lay in our path in life. We must remain firm in our faith and commitment to God and not easily be swayed by the falsehoods and sweet lies of those who seek our destruction. Jesus asks us also to help one another to remain faithful to God.

According to Saint Paul, the Law, and all the commandments are all about Love, the love that we all must have for the Lord and that we should also have for our fellow brethren, for our families, relatives, and friends, even those whom we do not know, for the acquaintances and strangers we meet in our daily lives and moments in this world.