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Writer's pictureSarah Raad

Fraternal Correction

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone.” (Matthew 18:15).

Virgin and Child Madonna of Humility (Andrea Mantegna)

I was educated in an Opus Dei school. While I am not a member of Opus Dei myself, I have great respect for many of the principles, philosophies, and foundations of the movement.


One of the foundational principles of Opus Dei is the principle of “fraternal correction”. When the movement was bring formed and prepared for the approval of the Pope, the leader, Saint Josemaria Escriva, was adamant that this principle would exist and would apply even to the leader of the movement.


This principle of fraternal correction means that one person has the right to correct another, provided they offer their suggestion with charity and in kindness…


I have been reflecting on that today, because Christ said, “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. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses.” (Matthew 18:15-20).


And I have been thinking about the role of the witnesses. You see, they were not there to take sides. They were not there to give opinions. They were not there to add fuel to the proverbial fire, so to speak. No. They were there to witness. They were there to listen and witness that the message was being properly understood. They were there to make sure that everybody in the room understood the same message in the same way without the emotion or the stress that went with everything.

And I have been thinking about that today as I reflect on this idea (and the actuality of) fraternal correction, because it is a truly difficult thing to have to take.

After all, it is a difficult thing to have to listen to another weak soul stand up and criticise your own soul. It is hard to hear the things that they wish to say and stand still and listen. And often when people around me wish to correct me, it is over matters that I am east willing to consider correction, and it is over matters that I am least willing to wish to change.


Often as well, when fraternal correction is used, I feel vulnerable and exposed. I feel belittled and berated and targeted and attacked. And when it is used in a clumsy manner by an imperfect human soul, it can be even more difficult to understand and accept.


And I have been thinking about that today, because it occurs to me that perhaps it is for this reason that God wishes a soul to first be humble. For without humility there is no possible way that I could ever have the Grace to accept the things that people wish to say to me, in a spirit of charity, and with the best intentions of my becoming better.


For with prayer, I stand on Holy Ground where everything is clear. Here. At the Foot of the Cross.

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