FRATERNAL CORRECTION
In
the Bible, we sometimes come across passages that are as relevant and
practical in our lives today as they were thousands of years ago when
they were first written. Today’s readings are good examples of such passages. They
remind us that, as faithful Christians, it is our responsibility to
reach out to our not-so-faithful brothers and sisters and bring them
back into the fold. They even recommend practical steps on how to go
about doing this.
Broken relationships are common everywhere. Gossiping, telling the sins
and faults of others behind their backs, is even more common. It is
obvious that this destroys relationships. Jesus knows this only too well
and so tells us what to do when we see somebody making mistakes — to
confront the wrongdoer in an open and face-to-face dialogue.
I know that is not part of the Philippine culture. In Europe, this is
common and it is not taken personally, while here, every word that
sounds critical is taken personally. And yet, we cannot say, “Lord,
sorry, what You teach us today does not apply in our culture.”
Some people correct others because they are busybodies. Others, like
the Pharisees, do so in order to exalt themselves as they put others
down. The disciple, however, intervenes out of love — love for God and
His children, but especially for the sinner who is damaged the most by
his own sin.
“But,” you may say, “they won’t listen, so why bother?” Simple —because God says so!
In baptism and confirmation, you were anointed priest, prophet and king;
you share in Christ’s priestly, royal and prophetic roles. It is easy
and pleasant to participate in Christ’s priesthood and royalty, but we
tend to avoid the prophetic role. The bottom line is, we owe a debt of
love to our brothers and sisters, as St. Paul writes in today’s Second
Reading. If we proceed in a spirit of love, with God’s help we have a
good chance of bringing back a child of His gone astray. It is well
worth trying. Fr. Rudy Horst,
SVD
REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you correct others? And if you do, what is your motive — pride or love?
Lord,
give me the courage to help a brother or sister who has committed a
mistake — and the right words so that the person feels my love and
Yours.
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