Gospel of Matthew, chapter 18:15

Settling differences or fraternal correction is most certainly the nub of today’s Gospel message. It is clear from a reading of this Gospel (Matthew 8/15-20) that the spirit of correction does not set out to scold and poke its nose into other people’s business. It must be done in a tactful and honorable way:

“If your brother commits some wrong against you, go and point out his fault, but keep it between the two of you.”

Fraternal correction sets out to win back a person whose loss is grieviously felt. It is the result of a genuine sense of caring for the other person and of a strong sense of community that cannot bear to be adversely affected. The procedure that is advised in this Gospel is very clear, and compassionate.

First, try to settle the wrong privately between the two of you. If that works, good.
Secondly, if the wrong cannot be settled privately try to settle the matter in the presence of “one or two “ witnesses.
Thirdly, if the person is unwilling to listen to the testimony of witnesses and right the wrong, refer the matter to the church.
Finally, if the person who has committed the wrong has no respect for the church, you have done all you can and he or she should be treated as an outcast who does not want to hear the truth.

It is clear that fraternal correction, whether offered or received, must be anchored in love. It is the Christian’s business to walk with Christ and to put aside anything that smacks of selfishness. The sense of solidarity among the church faithful bids us to pay attention to the self destructive and anti-community choices of some members. Thus we must come to the aid of a weak member who has strayed from the right path in the best way we know how. The Gospel message of today outlines the proper procedure or the best way to go about reconciling differences between one another.

There will be always be differences and disagreements among God’s people, but to let them fester and destroy the unity of the Body of Christ would be a grave error. Today’s scripture challenges us to face these differences courageously in the right spirit so that unity and harmony be fostered among the followers of Christ. This is what the Lord prayed for: that we may be one as He and the Father are one. (John 17:21)

Fr. Hugh Duffy