On a busy corner in New York City an Irish cop was directing traffic. While doing his duty, he saw a pedestrian starting across on a red light. The policeman went to that offender and discovered that he was a fellow Irishman. Calmly but firmly the cop explains: “Wait a minute, Red is not you color. Green is your color. Wait for the green light and then start across.â€
This story may help us apply what Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel: “If your brother sins against you go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone.â€
To correct others is a duty of some people, like the policeman in our story, like parents, a teacher.
A point is how to do it. Jesus gives us some direction in today’s Gospel. Our little story gives us some hints. All those come to one rule – be positive.
The Police officer did not emphasize so much the wrong of crossing on the red light, but the need to cross on the green, He did not shout it for everyone to hear. He told the offender quietly but firmly, and with a little humor. By doing so he told him what to do as well as what not to do.
Offer the correction to your wife or husband, to your children, a co-worker, a long-time friend, just as you would want him or her to offer a correction to you. What does this mean? This means that if one makes a mistake, even if it is against us, in reality it is more against God than us. So in pointing out the mistakes and faults of another be sure to emphasize that the fault is not so much an offense against you, as it is an offense against the love of God.
As Jesus mentions, you may have to call in one or two others to back up your correction. Our Lord even talks about the extreme situation where the offender will listen to no one. Then tell the Church or the group authority. If he or she refuses to listen to a higher authority, tell him or her to leave. Harsh words, however Jesus knew that in the future some will want to make their own rules. And, my brothers and sisters, many times some Christians do not want to listen- they want to make their own rules.
Certain people have the duty of giving correction. It takes humility; it takes honesty to accept a correction. To offer a correction and to accept a correction requires God’s help.
That help is given to each of us during every mass, during every prayer.
Wait for the green light, then go ahead and offer corrections with love; and accept corrections – with love.
May God bless you and Mary always keep you in her prayers.