The final verse in the first reading of today's liturgy from St. James' letter is a genuine gift for those who believe. Let me include that verse here.
My sisters and brothers,
if anyone among you
should stray from the truth
and someone bring him back,
he should know
that whoever brings back a sinner
from the error of his way
will save his soul from death
and will cover a multitude of sins.
What does it mean to bring back a sinner? Have you ever taken time to consider what that means for people who have been baptized, confirmed and taken the Body and Blood of Christ?
As a priest, my life at times has been an encounter with those who have strayed from the truth. And you who are part of the laity, you most like know well before a priest when a person has strayed. What can or should you do?
More recently the practice would be to pray for that person. Most of us would avoid making a positive effort to bring that person back to God. Most of us would fail in genuine fraternal charity!
James reminds us that "whoever brings back a sinner ... will save his should from death and will cover a multitude of sins." This is genuine charity. This is caring for another person's soul.
Why are we so frightened by the possibility of saving another's soul? Why are we afraid of being able to bring about such a blessing in another person's life?
