Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Thoughts for the Week - Fr. R. Taouk 
9th August 2015

1.  The behaviour of some people in regard to this act of charity is most unchristian. What is it to me? They say, I have no charge of him; I have enough to do to take care of myself; it is his business, let him look to it, and the like. These behave like Cain, who, when God asked him "Where is your brother Abel?" answered "I know not, am I my brother's keeper?" But should they not also fear that the same sentence be passed on them that was passed on Cain; such behaviour shows that they have neither love of God, nor the love of their neighbour; neither zeal for God's glory, nor concern for their neighbour's salvation; nor indeed can they have any serious concern for their own soul when they speak slightly of a duty which the law of God so strictly enjoins. Others, again, do not show such open disregard of this duty; nay, they are even sensible of its obligation, but are kept back from performing it by various causes.

2.  The fear of displeasing, and losing the friendship and interest of their friend, and at the same time of not doing any good by their admonitions. But they ought to consider that this fear alone is not an excuse, and that it is often groundless; for, a person may do ill through inadvertency, and when admonished, thinks himself obliged to his friend, and amends. Sometimes he may not know that his fault is known to others, and when this is told him, he is incited to correct it; and though he become a little hot at first, he may afterwards think on this admonition when he cools, and take it in good part, and profit by it. They ought also to reflect on the other danger of the loss of their friend's soul, if not corrected, and consider whether that, or their own danger of losing his friendship should preponderate; and whether they ought to be directed by a mere human respect, or the command of God.

3.  A consciousness of their being equally guilty themselves of the same fault. But if they own guilt before God, it ought not to hinder them from this duty, but rather their performing this duty to their brother should be an inducement to them to correct themselves. If their own guilt be known, it ought to give them courage to speak to their neighbour, putting on themselves as well as on their neighbour at the same time, which will make their neighbour take it in better part, hurt his pride less, and encourage him by their example.

4.  A certainty that it will do harm, and make their neighbour become worse. When this is really the case, it excuses from this duty, those who are not obliged to it by their office, nor have authority to punish obstinate offenders; because our Saviour says "Give not which is holy to dogs, neither cast you your pearls before swine, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turning upon you, tear you" (Matt. 7:6). And the wise man says "He that teaches a scorner, does an injury to himself; and he that rebukes a wicked man, gets himself a blot. Rebuke not a scorner, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you" (Prov. 9:7).