In another passage of the Gospel we read that “there is great joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.” When we come across someone who is going astray and, because of this, is drifting away from what is good, it is urgent that we draw near to speak with them and help them find the right path again.
The persistence the Gospel account shows us — trying more than once, without growing weary — reveals that fraternal correction is born of a humble heart, one capable of recognizing its own weakness before God even before looking at the weakness of others.
What does Jesus want to tell us when he invites us to regard the brother “as a pagan or a tax collector”? It does not mean forgetting or excluding him, but rather beginning anew to proclaim to him the love of God, the good news of salvation, so that he may be converted and believe.
Saint Magdalene expressed, on more than one occasion, the desire to remain at the gates of hell, so that no soul might enter, because each one is worth the entire Blood of Christ. Let us follow her example: let us draw close to those who have lost their way, and bear witness, through our very lives, to the joy of having come to know Him.
The joy of finding the brother again
