09/06/2026
Clergy Corner as taken from the 9/6/26 bulletin:
The Gospel tells us about our responsibility towards the salvation of others within the community. Jesus encourages us to speak, to initiate dialogue, to contribute to the conversion of others.To give brotherly correction is a moral duty, and to receive it is also a moral duty. This is not easy to do. It is hard for most of us to correct. It is not easy to speak out. It demands prayer, sacrifice and strength. When it comes to assisting someone in his moral and spiritual needs, we may hear these words: Off limits! That is none of your business! Look who is talking! Leave me alone! That’s why timing, tact, tone of voice, facial expression—all these help in correcting our brother or sister. Best of all is to keep in mind the Golden Rule.
Sometimes we are hesitant to carry out this Christian duty because we feel that we ourselves have our own weaknesses and shortcomings. If we follow this attitude, then no parent can correct his children, no teacher can straighten out a troublesome student, no judge can pass a sentence, no priest can advice a penitent, no coach can lead a failing team and no police can stop an over speeding motorist. The issue is not about who is morally upright but about being a caring person to one another. The issue is love and love is concern.
We need to really listen to the Lord and beg his help that he may inspire and strengthen us to become instruments of other people’s change of heart and return to God. Each Christian is called to have a prophetic voice, to watch out and speak out for justice and truth. By virtue of our baptism we all share in the prophetic mission of Christ and his Church. We are all called to be active prophetic voices.
A Dozen Guidelines for Fraternal Correction: 1). Unless you are a model correction taker, be slow to give it. 2). Correct like a friend and fellow sinner, not like an enemy. 3). Knowing how you resent unjust correction, never inflict it. 4). Harping on past faults is not correction but condemnation. 5). Know that love wins over better than an army of accusations. 6). Get help to correct when it is needed. 7). Frame the correction so it will heal and not wound further. 8). Decide first whether the person needs correction or help. 9). Correct infrequently, and only the greater failings. 10). Correction hurts, so don’t correct with a sledgehammer. 11). Think how prayerfully Mary would correct, and imitate her. 12).Put yourself in the culprit’s shoes and think about it. You may end up congratulating him for not being worse.
If certain people have the duty of giving correction, then certain people have the duty of accepting correction. It takes humility, it takes honesty to accept a correction. To offer a correction and to accept a correction requires God’s help. Wait for God’s “green light.” Then go ahead and offer corrections—with love; and accept corrections—with love.
I sincerely thank you for your continued generous support to our parish. Stay safe and healthy. Happy Labor Day! Many Blessings!
- Fr. Cosme
