Today, I continue the writing on the Spiritual Works of Mercy. I will discuss the third, which is Admonishing the Sinner. This may be the toughest for us as we get focused in our society that seeing something wrong in someone is judging. This may not be the case, and in many cases it is not judging, it is the Holy Spirit, first asking us to pray for the person, and then He may be leading us to correct the person. This isn’t an easy task, but it is important.
ADMONISHING THE SINNER
Do not judge, but be supportive in helping others find their way and correct their mistakes. Together we can learn to walk more closely with Christ.
- In humility we must strive to create a culture that does not accept sin, while realizing that we all fall at times
- Don't judge, but guide others towards the path of salvation (see Mt 7:1-2)
- When you correct someone, don't be arrogant. We are all in need of God's loving correction.
- We should journey together to a deeper understanding of our shared faith
- "Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother's eye" (Mt 7:5)
Excerpt from USCCB.org
Fr. Thomas P. Galarneault