Fraternal Correction
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Wednesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Matthew 18:15-20 - Jesus said to his disciples: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church. If he refuses to listen even to the Church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
In this Gospel, the concept of “fraternal correction,” or brotherly correction, is addressed. Brotherly correction is an important part of Christian life because, as Christians, we have the duty to help our Christian brothers and sisters recognize their sins. This needs to be done in the right way, of course, but when it is done properly, it is an act of great love. The best way to point out the sins of another is to do so clearly, gently, privately, humbly, and with love. We should always be focused on the good of the other, and the good of those that see and hear them. We never should correct another to please ourselves or to shame another.
Correcting a Christian friend or family member is not an easy thing to do. Often this is because we are concerned for ourselves (we fear how we may look, we dread the awkwardness of the situation, we fear some inconvenient consequence, etc.). We can’t let this pride and fear get in the way of doing what this other person needs us to do. As a Christian, they have a duty to live like Christ, and if we really love them and care for their soul, we will correct them if needed. On the other hand, if another Christian has the courage and love to correct our faults, we must try to accept their correction humbly and (if their correction is accurate) without excuse. Is there anyone whom we need to confront with love?
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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