Holy Cross Catholic Church issued the following announcement on Sept. 6

Today’s gospel touches on one of the seven spiritual works of mercy: admonishing sinners. This often has a negative connotation, as it brings to mind the judgmental hypocrisy and Pharisaism of which Christians have all been too guilty.

Jesus is very clear that we must not judge others. Yet today he provides guidelines on how to correct one another. How can we correct our brothers and sisters without being judgmental?

There are tremendous differences between Christian correction and rash judgement. Being judgmental seeks and takes pleasure in the faults of others. Although Christians can and do slip into this, it is a very un-Christian thing.

The Christian admonishment of sinners comes from love. Love motivates us to desire sanctification of others. Therefore, when people behave inappropriately or sinfully, charity may call on us to address it with them, in a compassionate way. The goal is not to put them down but to help them grow. This truly differentiates Christian correction from rash judgment.

Original source can be found here.