Friday, September 10 : Saint Augustine

In other words, first rid yourself of hatred and then you will immediately be able to correct the one you love. The word ‘hypocrite’ is aptly employed here, since the denouncing of evils is a matter for those who are upright and of good will. But when the evil engage in it they impersonate others; like masqueraders, they hide their real selves beneath a mask (…). Therefore, whenever necessity compels us to reprove or rebuke someone, we ought to proceed with piety and caution. First of all, let us consider whether the fault is such as we ourselves may have had, or whether it is one we have overcome. Then, if we have never had such a fault, let us remember that we are human and could have had it. But if we have had it and are rid of it now, let us remember our common frailty, in order that mercy – and not hatred – may lead us to the giving of reproval or rebuke. In this way, whether the rebuke occasions the amendment or worsening of the person to whom we are giving it (for the result cannot be foreseen), we ourselves shall be secure through the singleness of our eye. But if, on reflection, we find that we ourselves have the same fault as the person we are about to rebuke, let us neither reprove nor rebuke him; rather, let us bemoan the fault and induce the other to a similar effort without asking for submission to our correction.

Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team