The very fact of approaching the one who has offended me is a gesture of reconciliation. Jesus gives us a clear lesson in fraternal correction - which is one of the most delicate subjects in inter-personal relationships. I am expected to do some ground-work of a real examination of conscience so as to discern whether the motive is to punish the one who offends or to turn the person back to God and the community. To ensure respect for the offender, a person to person talk is recommended. Often, this is not how we treat offenders! We avoid meeting them for fear of losing our own self-respect.

But offenders and those set aside by us or the community we belong to are the object of one's compassion and mercy. Jesus himself set the example - he was known as the Friend of tax-collectors and sinners, going out of his way to show mercy.The Church or the Christian community are reminded constantly to be the "shepherd" seeking the stray sheep - for there is always "hope" for the offenders and sinners to return home. We as members are urged to be alert in this "field hospital" of mercy and compassion and be a sign of hope to all who fail us in any way. Mercy surpasses sacrifice and worship always