Pastor's Letter 20230910 - 10 September 2023 - Fraternal Correction

Father Michael · September 9, 2023

September 10^th, 2023

23^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Where2or3aregathered.jpg.46ee051692ff512aa1391da694825430.jpg

A Message from Father ^†Michael

Today’s Theme:

“Fraternal Correction”

Reflections on Today’s Scripture

(Ezekiel 33:7-9) Appointed leaders bear responsibility to point out the errors of people’s ways and promote reform.

Ezekiel’s perception of his vocation as a prophet is more aptly described as that of a concerned brother, watching out for his brothers and sisters in the faith.

~~~

Romans 13:8-10) ^†Paul continues his exhortation concerning the sincere ethical response to God’s great gifts of salvation., much like a Christian rabbi.

^†Paul claimed that love was the basic principle on which hinged all the precepts of the law. He emphasized that right living in all spheres of one’s life should be motivat6ed by a higher imperative: All that one is and does should translate into a worthy response to God’s gifts.

~~~

(Matthew 18:15-20) A Christian has a duty to correct an erring brother or sister—but in a loving way.

The abiding presence of God in Christ constitutes the basis of ^†Matthew’s Church doctrine and dictates the ethical response of the community to God and to one another. An atmosphere of reconciliation and forgiveness was to prevail and color all proceedings. Nonetheless, if one’s negative behavior persisted, fraternal correction should be employed to assist them toward repentance.

Changing a Person’s Behavior

A special duty of someone in authority is to point out errors when observed in someone in their charge. It may seem prudent to accept abuse for the sake of a “phony peace,” thinking that is the proper way of management. But this will only promote further bad behavior, and weaken the structure of an organization or relationship.

However, there is an “art” to confronting someone. Adopting a harsh approach with someone will likely result in them becoming obstinate—hard-hearted. In such a case, nothing is achieved, but only further harm is done. Whereas, if we employ a gentler approach, we may “soften their heart,” and help them see the error of their ways, enabling them to change.

Consider that, from a spiritual point of view, hardness of heart is one of the worst things than can happen to anyone. A hard-hearted attitude can maim a person. With such an outlook one can’t feel; can’t respond; can’t love. Neither can they experience joy, because they’re “closed off.” Such a person is spiritually barren. Someone who is “soft-hearted,” however, can receive and respond; though they might be saddened, they also can be deliriously happy.

To confront another person is difficult and calls for courage and wisdom. Correction or criticism offered in anger, or with a vengeful manner, most probably, will lead to results that are counter-productive. We have to proceed not just out of concern for ourselves and the hurt caused to our pride, but out of concern for the other person. It is a way of showing love for them.

We don’t show love for someone if we allow them to do wrong to/for us. By hurting us, they also are damaging themselves. It is in their interest for them to stop what they are doing. If we allow them to continue their negative behavior, we inadvertently bear some responsibility for it, ourselves.

We are responsible for one another, but the duty to speak out falls most heavily on the leaders of the community. In the face of what is happening, our silence can be taken to mean that we approve.

But if we approach an evil-doer with a “right spirit,” assuming they are genuinely good, they will want to put things right, too. If not, they will not be able to plead ignorance, later, saying, “Why didn’t you tell me?” The object is not to score a victory over our brothers or sisters, but to win them over, and be reconciled with them. They may not even be aware they are doing wrong!

Since we believe we were created in love, that very love is within us. Out of this same love, Jesus called us to help one another, seeking the best for them, and leading them back to the “fold.” Sometimes, then, this may involve saying difficult things in order to protect and nurture them. As difficult as it may be, the debt of love that we owe one another compels us to act. We love each other because Christ loved us, and, out of this love, we seek to build one another. Otherwise, we are speaking out of self-righteousness, judgmentalism or feelings of superiority. We can easily understand how such correction could result in hurt and shame.

Parents sometimes must say difficult things to their children in order to help them grow. Most loving parents recognize the challenge of correcting out of lover rather than out of frustration and anger. The goal of parenting is to guide children to Christian adulthood, so they can receive their full inheritance and rights as a child of God.

We have been created to live in unity with God and each other. This has been made possible by Christ’s having removed every dividing wall by His death on the cross. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, He gave us everything we need to live out this unity—to become vessels of His love and mercy.

May God Richly Bless You!