Commentary
In the Parable of the Lost Sheep, Jesus taught the apostles to seek out lost souls diligently. Now, Jesus provides practical guidance for bringing men lost in sin back into communion with Him. Speaking to men using masculine terms, Jesus reveals that some men stuck in persistent grave sin may repent if holy men confront them.
Jesus describes a three-step process, using subsidiary (to solve problems at the lowest level possible), beginning with a man-to-man rebuke (fraternal correction), followed by a discussion with several men (witnesses), and finally a conversation with the local parish priest (the Holy Catholic Church). After explicitly giving Peter the power to excommunicate unrepentant men stuck in sin from the Church and to forgive repentant men of their sins (bind and loose; Mt 16:19), in this teaching, Jesus also gives Peter the authority to extend this power to his successors and bishops in their local congregations.
For those stubborn men, confused by evil and unwilling to repent from sin, Jesus directs His men to shun those men, like “a Gentile and a tax collector” (those outside the covenant); echoing Jesus, St. Paul later teaches to disassociate with those who persist in grave unrepentant sin (1 Cor 5:9–13). The purpose is pastoral: to encourage the unrepentant sinner to repent when he is shunned for his sinful rebellion and to protect other faithful men from joining in rebellion and falling into sin. Jesus urges men to pray for wayward men lost in sin, promising that He hears His men’s prayers, for He is in the midst of them.
Be Awed by Jesus Christ
Courageously accept what Jesus commands men to do when confronted with a brother stuck in obstinate sin: Person of the Trinity, author of The 10 Commandments, who will die on a Cross to forgive the sins of the repentant, Jesus hates sin; the perfection of Diligence and Prudence, Jesus directs men to follow a thoughtful process to correct the sins of another (Spiritual Works of Mercy: Admonish the Sinner, Instruct the Ignorant); for those who bluntly refuse to repent, the perfection of Justice, Jesus directs men to Shun obstinate sinners and pray for their conversion.
Treat Every Catholic Man as a True Brother
Realize: In contrast to Jesus’ call for Catholic brotherhood, today, the majority of Catholic men do not have meaningful fraternity with other Catholic men, and many don’t even think of other Catholic men as their “brothers.” As adopted sons of God the Father through baptism, all baptized Catholic men are spiritual brothers.
Believe: Reflect upon Catholic Brotherhood (CCC 788, 1271, 2074, 2233, 2790).
Examine: What is one thing I can do to know another Catholic man in my parish better?
Pray: Jesus, Divine King, help me cultivate the Virtue of Fraternity (a part of Justice) so that I recognize every Catholic man as my true brother, and I work with vigor and happiness to build deep fraternity with many Catholic brothers in my parish. Amen.
Admonish and Instruct Those Stuck in Sin
Realize: Despite Jesus’ explicit command for every Catholic man to correct his brothers who are in obstinate sin, because modern culture ignores or even celebrates sin, many men, even priests, are afraid to speak the truth out of fear of ridicule or rejection. Every Catholic man is called to Instruct the Ignorant and Admonish Sinners (Spiritual Works of Mercy; CCC 2447).
Believe: Reflect upon your duty to bear Witness to Truth (CCC 932, 2471–2472).
Examine: Are there Catholic men in my life who could be helped by admonishment and instruction?
Pray: Holy Spirit, give me the Fruits of Love, Patience, Kindness, and Generosity so I recognize my Catholic duty to help men stuck in sin to repent and prudently proceed with charity to admonish and instruct sinners in the truth of Christ. Amen.