From the Pastor's Desk | September 10, 2023

In today’s readings, we see the theme of fraternal correction. In the first reading from the prophet Ezekiel, a warning is given that those not dissuaded from their sinfulness “shall die for his guilt.” This is a good reminder of the primary concern of the Church which should, in turn, be the primary concern of each one of us for ourselves and for our brothers in sisters - salvation. Everything the Church does or teaches is with one thing in mind - the salvation of souls. The Church wants everyone to enjoy the Kingdom of God eternally.
 
So, a quick refresher on sin, particularly mortal sin. For a sin to beconsidered mortal, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, three conditions must together be met: “Mortal sin is sin whose object is grave matter and which is also committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent (par. 1857). Grave matter is specified by the Ten Commandments (par. 1858). Full consent and complete knowledge presupposes knowledge of the sinful character of the act and implies a consent sufficiently deliberate to be a personal choice (par. 1859).

Mortal sin is a radical possibility of human freedom, as is love itself. It results in the loss of charity and the privation of sanctifying grace. If it is not redeemed by repentance and God’s forgiveness, it causes exclusion from Christ’s Kingdom and the eternal death of hell, for our freedom has the power to make choices for ever, with no turning back. However, although we can judge that an act is in itself a grave offense, we must entrust judgment of persons to the justice and mercy of God (par. 1861).”

This brings us back to the theme of this week’s readings - fraternal correction. The whole point of fraternal correction is not to judge others but rather to correct their actions, always in charity, out of concern for the salvation of their souls. St. Thomas Aquinas in his Summa Theologiae tells us that fraternal correction is a matter of both justice and charity out of concern for the person and the common good.

This is not easy! It is not easy to be on the receiving end of correction nor is it easy to be the one correcting another. I have been both corrected and have had to correct others. Jesus Christ, in this week’s Gospel, gives us a way to charitably correct those who sin against us or the common good. As with anything, before you decide that correction is necessary, take it to prayer and ask the Lord if this is something that - 1) needs to be said or pointed out, and 2) if you are the one who needs to say it or point it out. Also keep in mind that we are all sinners and are all in need of correction from time to time. Sometimes, rather than pointing out the fault of another, we have to call them into repentance along with us because we share the same fault.

Know of my prayers for you all! 
Fr. Ryan