In seminary, one of my theology professors (not Dr. Sheldon Cooper – although that would have been interesting….) offered that the Johannine “And the Word became flesh” becomes the starting point of most Christological heresy if one attempts to explain “how.” Eventually the limitations of language and human fumbling will eventually lead to the heterodox expression of faith. Continue reading
“You are so judgmental!” That is one way to respond to someone offering some fraternal correction. Here’s another: “Who do you think you are?” Or how about, “You are you to admonish me, when….?” Not one of our more spiritual moments. Yet fraternal correction is listed among the spiritual works of Mercy (CCC 2247). St. Thomas Aquinas lists it in the Summa as a work of Charity: “fraternal correction properly so called, is directed to the amendment of the sinner. Now to do away with anyone’s evil is the same as to procure his good: and to procure a person’s good is an act of charity, whereby we wish and do our friend well” (II, IIae, 33.1). Continue reading
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