Catholic Community on the Jersey Shore
"A brother helped by his brother is like a walled city." Proverbs 18:19
True friendship, true brotherhood, calls us to love our brothers to such a degree, that we are willing to risk losing them.
Fraternal correction is an act of brotherly love.
Jesus said, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector." Matthew 18:15-17
Paul admonished the Thessolnians for not correcting a brother in sexual sin: " If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, ... Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother" 2 Thess 3:14-15
Paul even took Peter to task: Galatians 2: 11-13
11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong. 12 When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision. 13 As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.
The Apostle James tells us that the reward for fraternal correction is great: "My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins." James 5: 19-20
Save a brother!! Approach with humility and charity. If you are the recipient, be like David when he was admonsihed by Nathan for his sin: "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!" Pslam 51: 1-5
(Inspired by Francis Fernandez, Conversations with God.)
It is important to use your role as parents and time at home to not only instill the Truth and build people of virtue, but also to understand the lies they are being taught when not on your watch.
There are so many resources out thee that are interesting and informative. Try some!
Want to address science and faith? Try the ideas at Evolution News and Discovery Institute
How about issues concerning culture and history? Prager University has great 5 minute videos
Wallbuilders has many links and resources, including a Youtube Channel, that present TRUE American History.
“Men are defeated when they don’t realize their full purpose. I saw a culture of apathy around us and a culture that tells men they’re not worth much,” Bryan says. “But when men get it right, everything and everyone around them can flourish. A willing man who wants to take steps to be a Godly leader, that’s a wonderful thing.”
–Bryan R. Zeamer, Men of Iron Founder
Stay Tuned!!
Meanwhile consider these organizations:
Men on Fire