This Sunday, the Liturgy presents us with a passage from the Gospel of Matthew on fraternal correction and communal prayer.

Jesus urges us to correct a brother who has erred directly, without an intermediary, for if he listens, the erring brother is won over to God.

In the writings of Francis we read:

«Blessed is the servant who is willing to bear so patiently correction, accusation and reproach from another, as if he were inflicting them upon himself.

Blessed is the servant who, when reproached, accepts it good-naturedly, submits with modesty, humbly confesses and willingly makes amends.

Blessed is the servant who is not quick to make excuses and who humbly bears the shame and rebuke for a sin, even though he has committed no fault» (FF 172).

Clare, too, was a gentle sister in her corrections. She was always a caring Mother and a great example to her daughters and sisters in the Monastery of St Damian.

Even when it was necessary to exhort or rebuke, she knew how to correct with the loving kindness and wisdom that came from on high.

The Sources attest (Rule of St Clare):

«The abbess shall admonish and visit her sisters and correct them with humility and charity, commanding them nothing that is contrary to their soul or to the form of our profession» (FF 2806) .

And again, with a far-sighted and comprehensive vision, St Clare herself continues:

«I admonish and exhort, in the Lord Jesus Christ, all my sisters, both present and future, to strive always to imitate the way of holy simplicity, humility and poverty, and also the integrity of that holy life which was taught to us by our blessed Father Francis from the very beginning of our conversion to Christ» (FF 2845 – Testament).

«And loving one another in the love of Christ—that love which you have in your hearts—show it outwardly through your deeds, so that the sisters, inspired by this example, may always grow in the love of God and in mutual charity» (FF 2847).

«If your brother sins against you, go and point out his fault, just between the two of you; if he listens to you, you have won your brother back» (Mt 18:15).

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, year A  (Mt 18:15–20)