Instead of engaging in petty gossip that leads to scandal, Christians are called by Jesus to directly and lovingly offer help to misguided friends, Pope Francis said.
Before praying the Angelic Prayer with a crowd of about 20,000 people in St. Peter's Square on September 10, the Pope said that fraternal correction is “one of the highest expressions of love, and one of the harshest.” Yes,” he said.
Unfortunately, he said, when someone makes a mistake, the first thing that happens is gossip, so that everyone other than those involved knows the details of the incident.
“Brothers and sisters, this is not right,” Francis said. “Gossip is a plague on the lives of people and communities because it leads to division, it leads to suffering, it leads to scandal. Gossip never helps anyone improve or grow.”
Alternatively, the Pope recalled that in the Gospel of St. Matthew, which was read that day, Jesus said that he was told to tell someone his fault “just between you and him.”
“Talk to him about this 'face to face' and try to be fair and help him understand where he went wrong,” the Pope said. “And do this for his own good, overcome shame and find true courage, which is not to slander, but to tell it to the face with meekness and kindness.”
When talking one-on-one is not enough, Jesus recommends involving one or two other people to talk to the person, the pope said. “People who really want to help with this problem, not members of gossiping groups.'' Brother, you're on the wrong track. ”
And if small group encounters prove insufficient, Francis said, involve the community. “But again, this doesn't mean exposing and publicly shaming a person, but rather uniting everyone's efforts to help that person change.”
“Pointing fingers is a bad thing. In fact, it often makes it more difficult for criminals to recognize their mistakes,” he said, adding, “Stay close to the person in prayer and love and always “While being prepared,” he stressed the need to denounce mistakes. Show forgiveness and understanding, and start over. ”
Francis encouraged Christians to ask themselves how they behave towards those who wrong them. Do you hold grudges inside yourself? he asked. “Do I talk about it behind their backs?”
The Pope concluded his reflections by asking the crowd in St. Peter's Square: “Do you point your finger or open your arms?”
