Various Stages of Corrections according to Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Nineteenth Week :  Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 18:15-20*

*First Reading : Dt 34:1-12*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 66:1-3a, 5 and 8, 16-17*

*Various Stages of Corrections according to Jesus*

*1) Private Correction*

The first stage emphasizes personal responsibility and discretion. 

Instead of gossiping, venting, or immediately involving others, Jesus encourages a one-on-one conversation. 

The aim is not to accuse but to restore the relationship. 

It reflects love, humility, and respect for the dignity of the other person.

*2) Small Group Correction*

When personal confrontation fails, Jesus advises involving one or two trusted, impartial witnesses. 

This step ensures accountability and fairness—not ganging up, but inviting others to help mediate. 

It’s about confirming the truth, avoiding misunderstanding, and allowing the offender another chance to hear and reflect.

*3) Public/Church Correction*

*"If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church."* Matthew 18:17

If the individual remains unrepentant, the issue is brought to the larger faith community. 

This reflects the seriousness of sin and its impact on the whole body. 

It’s not to shame but to call for community-supported restoration. 

The goal remains reconciliation, not rejection.

*4) Separation (as a Last Resort)*

This final step is not about condemnation, but about recognizing a hardened heart. 

Treating someone as a *“Gentile or tax collector”* doesn’t mean hatred—remember, Jesus loved and reached out to them—but it does imply a shift in relationship: the person is no longer walking in fellowship, and may need space to reflect and repent.

*5) Treating someone as Gentile or Tax-collector*

In Jewish society during the time of Jesus 

*Gentiles* (non-Jews) were considered outsiders—not part of God’s covenant people.

*Tax collectors* were Jewish traitors who collaborated with Rome, often greedy and dishonest. They were socially and religiously excluded, treated as sinners.

So, on the surface, Jesus is saying: If someone refuses correction even after multiple attempts, they are no longer acting like a member of the believing community. You must treat them as someone outside the fellowship.

But here's where it gets interesting:

*6) Jesus' Treatment of Gentiles and Tax Collectors*

This is where Jesus turns the entire concept upside down.

Jesus called Matthew, a tax collector, to be His disciple (Matthew 9:9).

He dined with tax collectors and sinners, to the dismay of the religious elite (Mark 2:15–17).

He healed the daughter of a Gentile woman (Mark 7:24–30).

He praised a Roman centurion’s faith (Matthew 8:10).

Jesus did not condone their sin—but He pursued them with love, grace, and a call to repentance.

*7) Final Thought*

*The tone is pastoral, not punitive*: Jesus is not giving legal steps, but a spiritual process aimed at healing.

*Each stage builds on grace*: It mirrors God's own dealings with us—patient, persistent, but clear about the seriousness of sin.

*Restoration is the goal*: Correction isn't about proving who is right; it's about bringing someone back into right relationship—with God and others.

*Truth and love must work together*: Truth without love becomes harsh. Love without truth becomes weak. Jesus models both.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*