Vatican City, 7 September 2014 (VIS) –
Fraternal correction, as it is presented by St. Matthew in this
Sunday's Gospel reading, was the theme of the Pope's reflection
during today's Angelus, at midday. “Jesus teaches us that if my
Christian brother wrongs me or offends me, I must be charitable
towards him and, first of all, speak to him personally, explaining
that what he has said or done is not good. And what if my brother
does not listen to me? Jesus suggests a way of intervening gradually:
first, to speak to him again with another two or three people, so
that he is more aware of the mistake he has made. If, in spite of
this, he does not accept this exhortation, it is necessary to tell
the community, and if he does not even listen to the community, then
we have to let him know of the fracture and detachment that he
himself has caused, by failing in communion with his brothers and
sisters in the faith”.
“The steps in this itinerary show the
strength that the Lord asks of the community to support those who
err, so that they are not lost. Above all it is necessary to avoid
the clamour of news and gossip in the community. The attitude must be
that of gentleness, prudence, humility and care in relation to those
who have erred, avoiding words that may harm or kill our brother.
Because even words can kill! When I gossip or when I unjustly
criticise, when I curse a brother with my tongue, this means
destroying the reputation of the other person. … At the same time,
this discretion in speaking to him alone has the aim of not
pointlessly mortifying the sinner. … In view of this need, we can
understand the following series of interventions, which include the
involvement of other witnesses and finally even the community. The
aim is to help the person to understand what they have done, and to
be aware that they have thereby offended not just one person, but
everyone. But it also helps us to rid ourselves of anger and
resentment … that bitterness of the heart that leads to anger and
resentment leads us to insult and offend. It is very unpleasant to
see insults and aggression from a Christian. … To insult is not
Christian”.
“In reality”, he continued, “before
the Lord we are all sinners and all in need of forgiveness. All of
us. Indeed, Jesus told us not to judge. Fraternal correction is an
aspect of the love and the communion that should reign in the
Christian community; it is a mutual service that we can and must
render to each other … and it is possible and effective only if
each person recognises himself as a sinner and in need of the Lord's
forgiveness. The same awareness that enables me to recognise the
errors of the other, first of all reminds me that I myself have made,
and make mistakes, many times”.
“Therefore, at the beginning of Mass,
we are invited each time to acknowledge ourselves as sinners before
the Lord, expressing with words and gestures the sincere repentance
of the heart”, he concluded. “And Jesus Himself invites all of
us, saints and sinners, to his table, bringing us together at the
various crossroads in in the different situations of our lives. And
among the conditions that unite all the participants in the
Eucharistic celebration, two are fundamental: we are all sinners, and
God offers His mercy to us all”.
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