Salvador Pérez Alayón (@Salvadorpa77)

Do we think that correcting someone who makes a mistake can also be a way of caring for them? Are we capable of doing so not from a moral high ground but from a sincere desire for their good and their salvation, feeling responsible ourselves? Sunday, September 6, 2026 SENTINELS OF WELL-BEING Mt 18:15-20 John had confessed to the community. He had acknowledged his error and, with humility and repentance, lovingly requested reconciliation with the community. At that moment, Manuel looked up and asked: “How do you think the community should act toward someone who acknowledges their mistake and asks for reconciliation?” A few seconds passed, and no one dared to say anything. Manuel was about to continue when Pedro raised his hand and said: “I think that should be the final step. Of course, everything depends on the circumstances of each case.” Manuel, looking at him, asked: “Can you explain that better?” Then, Peter, standing up and raising his voice, commented: “What I mean is that when someone makes a mistake, even if it seems serious to us, the first thing to do is talk to them.” He paused briefly and, looking at them, continued: “If they don’t listen, call one or two others so there will be two or more witnesses… And if they still resist, then go to the community, as we have already seen.” Manuel, satisfied with Peter’s answer, opened the Bible and said: “This, in the Gospel of Matthew 18:15-20, is what Jesus tells us.” And he read: “At that time, Jesus said to his disciples, '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.’” If he does not listen to you, take one or two others along with you so that every matter may be established by the testimony 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, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. He paused briefly and, with renewed energy, continued: “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” After finishing reading, Manuel, closing the Bible, added: “Two criteria for approaching someone who is harming themselves or others: a) with a heart that is not hardened (toward the other person, toward ourselves, and toward God).” b) And from love, which is the fullness of faith. Let us remember that correcting does not mean condemning. Gospel correction is born of love and seeks to restore, not punish. The Lord Jesus' way of acting is gentle, respectful, and cordial. He acts from the desire to improve the other person's life and invites us to walk toward reconciliation through love, engaging in intimate dialogue without judgment, encouraging, and seeking restoration. https://deahaba.blogspot.com/2026/09/centinelas-del-bienestar.html