Admonishing sinners

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18: 15-20)

Fraternal correction is a duty among those who consider themselves Christians. In fact, admonishing sinners is a work of spiritual mercy. To do one's own business without meddling is very convenient, but it is not Christian at all. Above all, but not only, pastors and bishops must admonish those who make mistakes in matters of faith and morals, especially when those who are in error risk making others make mistakes as well. Let us pray for priests and bishops, starting with those we know personally, so that they will fulfill their duties and protect their flock from heresies and personal sins.