Reflections of a beloved son

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.” Matthew 18:15 Memorial of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Oftentimes I find that when people have a problem with another person, they would go and tell everyone about the problem except that person. Yes, it may have some therapeutic effects by venting and unloading with a trusted friend or mentor, but it doesn’t solve the problem. Jesus told His disciples that if we have a problem with another person, we ought to go to that individual in person and not everyone else first. To resolve any conflict, we must face it head on and we must encounter the other. If that doesn’t work then we bring other people in. There is something special about the 1 on 1 encounter. There is a vulnerability there as well as trust and humility. These enable us to reveal ourselves to the other in a way that touches the heart. It is only when the heart is reached will there be forgiveness, reconciliation, and resolution. When ...

When we get blamed for something or accused of doing or saying something we didn't do or say, how do we respond? Or, when our kindness gets taken for something else and we in turn get the cold shoulder, how do we react? St. Stephen turned to prayer and asked for the forgiveness of those stoning him. Are we like St. Stephen who remains committed only to the Truth and to love even until death, or do we profess one thing with our lips and believe another in our hearts? What we profess must be the same as what we believe. Let us ask God for the grace of humility and courage to reject all duplicity. #Forgiveness #Truth #Humility #BelovedSonMinistry