09/06/2026
Jesus tells us during the Sermon on the Mount that we should examine our own faults before pointing out those of someone else. This is important. However, there are times when we need to correct others whose behavior is sinful or may lead others to sin. This is called fraternal correction.
Jesus tells us in the Gospel today that there is a way to go about fraternal correction. First, we are to meet privately with the person and gently, with love, point out to them what they are doing. If they listen, great. If they do not, we are to go back with two or three other people, which will hopefully reinforce the need for them to change. If they do not listen then, Jesus says, we are to refer the matter to the Church. In earlier days, that would have been easier. But we can take this to mean that the matter should be referred to someone higher. If it is a Church matter, our local pastor or even the bishop should be consulted. If the person still refuses to change, Jesus tells us to treat them like a Gentile or a tax collector. That means we should avoid them, lest we fall into the same sin.
Fraternal correction can be difficult, especially if it is a family member or close friend we must correct. The most important point for us is to always speak with love and not with judgment. Actions are bad, not people. Our manner of correction must always take that into account.
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