Pope Francis meditated today before praying the Angelus on the fraternal correction mentioned in today’s Gospel (cf. Mt 18, 15-20). According to the Pope, this is “one of the greatest expressions of love, and also one of the most compelling.” Therefore, he asked that “if a brother in the faith sins against you, you, without anger, help him by correcting him.”
During his speech, Jorge Mario Bergoglio regretted that, “Unfortunately, the first thing that is often done around wrongdoers is gossip, where everyone knows about the error, with all the details, except the person affected! It is not right and it is not pleasing to God.”
In this sense, he added: “I never get tired of repeating that a curse is a curse.” in the lives of people and communities, because they bring division, suffering and scandal, and never help progress and growth.”
Do according to Jesus
As the Pope put on the table, “Jesus, however, taught us to behave differently.” If your brother has done wrong against you, “tell him faithfully, to help him understand where he is wrong. Do this for his good, overcome shame and find true courage, not to speak ill of him behind his back, but to say things to his face with gentleness and kindness.”
However, “we can ask ourselves, What if it’s not enough? If you don’t understand? Then you should ask for help. But beware! Not the one from the small gossiping group!” he warned.
Get the community involved
What if he still doesn’t understand? “Then, Jesus said, include the community. But also in this case, let’s be clear: it’s not about mocking the person, shaming the public, but combining everyone’s efforts to help them change.
And, “it is not good to point the finger at people, in fact, it always makes it difficult for the wrongdoers to recognize their own fault. Instead, the community should make him feel that, while condemning the mistake, it is close to him with in prayer and love, always ready to offer forgiveness and start over.”
About this, he asked aloud: “How can I treat those who have wronged me? Do I keep it to myself and accumulate resentment? Did I mention this behind his back? Or do I try to talk to them? Do I pray to him, asking for help to do good? And do our communities take care of the fallen, so they can get up and start a new life? Do they point their fingers or open their arms?”
Morocco in the heart of the Pope
After the angel’s prayer, Francisco points to Morocco. “My closeness to the people of Morocco. I pray for the injured, for those who lost their lives and for their families. I hope that everyone’s help will sustain the population at this time.”
On the other hand, he remembers that now The beatification of the Ulma family was celebrated in Poland, who is an example of “how to leave the door of arms for that of prayer.” Also, he asked to “heal the prayer for the martyr Ukraine.”
