By Lavoisier Fernandes.
Fraternal Correction is deeply rooted in the Christian tradition. Jesus calls us to practice it in the context of unlimited forgiveness (cf. Matthew 18:22) whilst serving the most vulnerable. If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother (Matthew 18:15). Is it easy? If you were to ask me- I would say No! It is something I have struggled with and thankfully still struggle due to my human weakness, conflict avoidance and the feeling of my inadequacy. In all honesty it is good as it keeps me in check (morally) lest I get carried away with my arrogance and pride.
Correction is caring. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1829) emphasis this point” Charity…. demands fraternal correction” and it is part of the spiritual works of mercy (cf. CCC 2447). In fact, St. Augustine warns: “You do worse by keeping silent than he does by sinning” and St. John Chrysostom says, “If we truly care for one another, let’s help one another spiritually…let’s hinder those things that lead our friends away to Hell.” As with all Christian virtues it requires discipline and most importantly without forgetting the “caring aspect” towards the recipient of our correction. Thus, “we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them…by not disclosing or not hindering them when we have an obligation to do so” (CCC 1868). We must “avoid rash judgement …be more ready to give a favourable interpretation to another’s statement than to condemn it. But if he cannot do so…let the former correct him with love” (CCC 2478). It is a Christian discipline challenging enough that needs practice, something like a trial & error constructive criticism format, whilst reflecting and keeping our gaze (cf. Matthew 14:22-23) on Jesus’ teaching and example, lest we start sinking in our myopic fears on the pretext of taking God’s seat in judgement.
Thanks to social media and more recently Catholic priests have been hogging the headlines. Some would say for the wrong reasons whilst others would disagree and say for the right reasons. We have seen it in parishes and parish council settings, sadly cursing and insisting on transfer appointments of priests due to whatever alleged reasons, whilst parishioners are sucked by the herd mentality of social media gossip or hearsay without knowing or verifying the realities. We have also seen it where certain words of a homily cherry picked to portray a different narrative. Besides the dominating headlines we also hear murmurs or gossip within our parish settings, social media videos complaining, slandering, nit-picking of priests and Bishops. Let me say (as I have fallen into this sinful trap as well) most of the complaints are well intended and innocent whilst ignoring the human frailty of priests who are not dropped from heaven but who come from families. No different from you and me – the laity. And yes! priests rise, shine, fall, get it wrong, sin and occasionally do not even meet the high standards of Christian morality. But again, who among us ever meets this if we look minutely. Don’t get me wrong I am not suggesting that we shouldn’t strive to be perfect as Christ mandated (cf. Matthew 5:48).
So, should we even bother to correct our priest?
St. Thomas Aquinas answers this, “On the contrary…to him who, being in the higher position among you, is therefore in greater danger…Therefore even priests ought to be corrected…but with gentleness and respect.” The (CCC 907) says lay people “have the right and even at times a duty to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church”. But this needs to be done as Pope Francis says, “The supreme rule regarding fraternal correction is love: to want the good of our brothers and sisters.” Just as love calls us to be “keepers” of our biological sisters, brothers, and parents, so too are we called to be the “keepers” of our spiritual fathers. The Holy Father Pope Francis further echoed the power of Fraternal Correction in one his Angelus messages preached from St. Peter’s Square “Yes, you are your brother’s keeper! To be human means to care for one another,” Christ’s command to “Love one another as I love you.” (John 15:12), and God’s answer to Cain (cf. Gen 4:9). It’s clear we’re called to be our “brother’s keeper,” but how about our “father’s keeper”?
Where should I correct?
Should it be on Facebook, through video footage with our own spin, WhatsApp group chat or any other social platform, whilst standing in the handshake line after mass, or through gossip, google reviews, through anonymous letters or in the confessional? Certainly NOT! St. Thomas Aquinas says, “reprove privately and respectfully. Perhaps go for coffee, a meal, or a walk with the priest. This helps in softening the tone and brings down walls and builds bridges, and it is 100% compliant with the Gospel.
When should I correct?
Should it be when my emotions are high in anger and rage, marred by the sometimes-deceptive sensationalized headline voices of social media whilst not knowing the whole story? Certainly NOT! St. Josemaria Escriva gives this tip: “Never rebuke while you’re still indignant about a fault committed – wait until the next day, or even longer. Then calmly, and with a purer intention, make your reprimand. You’ll gain more by a friendly word than a 3-hour quarrel.”
What should I correct and how?
The markers for correction are sin, vices, faults, dogmatic abuse, and liturgical abuse, always keeping in mind the greater good of the Church. If we stay in this framework whilst offering constructive charitable criticism and ways to improve, we cannot fail. Perhaps if you find the homily to long, maybe introduce your priest to Pope Francis’ suggestion of keeping homilies to between 8-10 minutes, or if you feel there is a need for increase in confessionals (rather than confessions on request) before mass suggest creative ways of improving this but as St Ambrose echoes, “correct him privately.” And if simply this can’t be done then just pray for your priest or offer a mass. There is power in prayer.
Postscript:
In an age where Catholicism is on the back burner, considered irrelevant, out of date and the vocation of priesthood wrongly measured by the same yardstick of the few bad apples (i.e., the scandals in the Church) there are also faithful priests who take on Jesus Christ’ mantle of “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few”. As important as correcting is supporting the priest with your prayers and time, too. Perhaps with a genuine “thank you” after mass, dropping a note of appreciation for a touching homily, calling them over for dinner, a movie ticket, inquiring about their health and family, sending wishes on Maundy Thursday (Institution of the Eucharist), Father’s Day or on the feast St. John Mary Vianney and many more creative ways, but always in a spirit of Fraternal Love!!
Lavoisier Fernandes, born and raised in Goa, is currently based in West London. His faith is “work in progress”- and a lifelong journey. He has always been fascinated by the Catholic faith, thanks to his Salesian schooling. He’s passionate about podcasting, theology, the papacy, and volunteering. He has hosted ‘Talking Faith’ series for Heavens Road FM, Catholic Radio, connecting with ordinary men and women within the Catholic faith, other faiths and examining issues affecting both the Church and society. He has also been a host on Shalom World Catholic TV for two episodes of the ‘Heart Talk’ series. He presently contributes for the Goa Diocesan magazine Renevacao.