St. Matthew Catholic Church

Weekly Message     

Correction:DutyorObligation

Dear brothers and sisters,   

      Fraternal correction is a great means of salvation, since the eternal destiny of a person may depend on his acceptance of corrections received. Whoever does not correct his neighbor, not only harms him, but also harms himself. He will be deprived of the merits and benefits of the fulfilment of this duty and will eventually cause scandal to those who come to know of his negligence.’

     Correction is an obligation of responsibility. We are like a watchman. A watchman cannot see danger and remain silent. When God has entrusted people to our care, our silence can sometimes become a failure of love of duty and responsibility.

     Parents have this responsibility toward children.   Spouses have this responsibility toward one another.  Priests have this responsibility toward their communities.  Friends have this responsibility toward their friends.  Christians have a responsibility toward one another. But we should ask ourselves: “Am I correcting this person because I love him, or because I am angry with him?”

     St. Paul says, “Owe no one anything, except to love one another.” Love is not merely a feeling. Love sometimes demands difficult conversations. Love does not always say what people want to hear; love says what people need to hear.

     Jesus gives a very careful process: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.” Correct privately, gently, patiently. A mature Christian asks: “Can I receive correction as graciously   as I give it?” The person who never accepts correction eventually becomes someone who cannot or doesn’t want to grow. Christian correction is not about controlling people; it is about caring for them 

    Blessings!

  Msgr. Xavier Pappu                     

                     Insert:  Giving to God/Dar a Dios.pdf

                                    Please pray for vocations to the priesthood,
                              for the Priests of our Diocese; & for our Bishop.

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