Fraternal Correction

Fraternal correction is the spiritual almsdeed ofreproving a sinner; it is an act of charity.

Sometimes we are under obligation of giving fraternalcorrection. This is always so when a discreet word of ours could lead a grievous sinner to amend his ways.

Correction as an act of justice is the duty ofthose whose place and station require them to direct othersspiritually. Correction as an act of charity is a warning properly given on due occasion by anyone who can prudently prevent sin or cause a sinner to repent and amend.

Fraternal correction can be given by anyone to anyother person, be that person’s place high or low. Indeed,sometimes conditions make it the duty of a subject to correct his superior. Yet correction must always be given with prudence and discretion, and never with insolence.

One sinner cannot justly rebuke another in such a way that his own sin seems less to be condemned than that of the person he rebukes. Yet, if the thing be done humbly, one sinner may correct another, even though he condemns himself at the same time. The good thief at the Crucifixion humbly acknowledged his own sin as he rebuked the bad thief for upbraiding Christ.

Fraternal correction, to deserve the name, must be an act of charity, not of officiousness, or meddling, or pride, orhyprocrisy. It is to be given in the spirit of loving friendship in God. And when such correction is necessary, those bound to administer it, by reason either of justice or of charity, are notto refrain from it for fear that the person corrected may be angry or resentful, or may be worse in conduct because of what is said to him in correction.

Certainly, fraternal correction is always to be given in a manner befitting the exercise of charity. It is to be given privately-at least, at first. Some evils may call for public denunciation, but private admonition should be given first. Sacred Scripture directs that this course be taken. (See Matt.18:15.)

After private admonition has proved fruitless, the sinner should be corrected before “one or two more”prudent witnesses, and thus every opportunity should be given him to amend without suffering public dishonor.