Catholic Conversations

51: Fraternal Correction: How to Take the Spec Out of Your Brother's Eye


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How should we give fraternal correction? 

Matthew 18:15-20
First, we are to correct the sinner privately. 
Second, if he refuses to listen, we bring one or two others. 
Finally, if necessary, the sinner must be brought to the Church. If he refuses even the correction of the Church, and if the matter is serious, he is to be excommunicated – for this is what our Lord means when he tells us, And if he will not hear the church, let him be to thee as the heathen and publican

  1. There ought to be a real fault committed, or a real danger incurred
  2.  It must proceed from real charity, that is, from a real love for the person, and a desire for the good of his soul and never out of pride.  For pride cometh before the fall, a man who corrects in pride will turn your friend into an enemy. If it comes from anger or hatred you will be evil for your soul.
  3. Correct with meekness recognizing that you yourself are a sinner and in need of salvation. St. Paul, “if a man be overtaken in any fault, you who are spiritual, instruct such an one in the spirit of meekness, considering yourself, lest you also be tempted.” (Gal. 6:1).
  4. There is a time and place for everything. Correcting someone after their mother dies at the funeral as they weep in the arms of the person they are cohabitating with is not the right time or place. In fact you will cause their hearts to be hardened and could lose them all together. | Correcting someone on stage is also a bad idea as it will humiliate them and cause them to defend their sin and hide their sin. | In these situations there is little to no hope of success. 
  5. Look to God. Pray that God grants you the words to say and that God softens the heart of your friend that they be converted. Recognize that any good comes from God alone and you are an instrument. Never presume of our own abilities. 
  6. it will be often necessary for them both to correct in public, and punish, where there are small hopes of amendment; for the sake of discipline, and for preventing the fall of others, and lest their silence should be interpreted an approbation.

Sources:
ST II-II Q. 33
https://www.newadvent.org/summa/3033.htm
Christian Charity and notion of Fraternal and Brotherly correction http://www.catholicapologetics.info/morality/general/correction.htm#_ftn1
Bishop Schneider’s handbook for correcting errors in life of Church today
https://www.lifesitenews.com/blogs/bishop-schneiders-handbook-for-correcting-errors-in-life-of-church-today
Can a Catholic Criticize the Pope?
https://onepeterfive.com/can-a-catholic-criticize-the-pope/
Am I obliged to correct my brother who sins?
http://newtheologicalmovement.blogspot.com/2011/09/am-i-obliged-to-correct-my-brother-who.html


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