September 10, 2023: Fraternal Correction

Today’s second reading says, “Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” But what happens when “love” means “correction”? The first reading states: “If I tell the wicked, "O wicked one, you shall surely die," and you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from his way, the wicked shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death. But if you warn the wicked, trying to turn him from his way, and he refuses to turn from his way, he shall die for his guilt, but you shall save yourself.” Correction is uncomfortable… uncomfortable to give, and uncomfortable to receive. But, according to scripture, is an act of love for and from our friends. We should love those who are willing to offer correction. Father Loomis shares his experience in being given correction and also in giving it as a priest through communicating uncomfortable truths in his homilies. He says, “If you have never heard a homily that has challenged you, that’s a problem… you aren’t being loved enough to be told the truth.” On the topic of fraternal correction, St. Ambrose says, “Should a friend think he is being wronged, correct him none the less. Even if his soul is wounded by the bitterness of correction, correct him none the less. Wounds from a friend are better than the fraudulent kisses of an enemy.” May we offer correction to our friends with humility, and be humble enough to graciously receive it when needed. Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time First Reading: Ezekiel 33:7-9 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 Second Reading: Romans 13:8-10 Alleluia: 2 Corinthians 5:19 Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20