Several weeks ago, we considered the spiritual work of mercy that tells us to instruct the ignorant. By that we mean instructing those in need of the knowledge of God’s love.

In a time of many distractions, of family life and even schools that do not concern themselves with teaching about the struggle for good and for eternal salvation, it is not surprising that many do not know God. Many are uncertain about how to live a good life and therefore how to avoid sin. There is confusion for many about what is right and what is wrong.

We serve God’s loving purpose for them by our words and example, showing what it means to love God and neighbor. In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope Francis reminds us that part of our life of faith is to assist others in their calling to life with Christ. And part of that is to teach what is right and true.

Of course, not all of those who separate themselves from God in their lives do so by uncertainty or ignorance. It is the human condition that evil exists and that every one of us deliberately chooses it at one time or another.

Every person struggles with the temptations that beguile us into sin. And experience certainly shows that in life, sin begets more sin. Small evil leads to greater evil. For this very reason, we need the help of grace, of the sacraments, of prayer and of the spiritual counsel that we can give to each other.

That is why a second and very important spiritual work of mercy is to admonish the sinner. Of course in our time and place, the idea of anyone admonishing a sinner seems fraught with peril and objections.

We are aware of Our Lord’s admonition “Stop judging, that you may not be judged.” (Mt. 7:1). And Pope Francis is renowned for his response to a question when he said, “Who am I to judge?”

There are two necessary responses to this objection as we carry out this great work of mercy. First, we need to admonish our own sinfulness. We need to deal directly with the wooden beam in our own eye.

That means that we must strive for humility. Are we willing to take correction? Are we willing to listen to the teaching of Christ and His Church, especially in moral matters, and then adjust our lives accordingly? Are we willing to admit our own wrong, our own sinfulness? Do our actions match our words?

It is true. We must first work for the purification of our own souls.

But when that is done, we must be clear that this spiritual work of mercy is not calling us to judge sinners. It is rather to speak the truth to sin itself.

There are actions and attitudes of soul that are opposed to God’s love, whatever the accompanying rationalization might be. For us not to mention that to those involved would be to stand back and say nothing as their salvation is endangered.

We would feel the obligation of conscience to help someone drowning in front of us. If we don’t throw them a life jacket, they might lose their earthly life. We can do no less about their eternal life.

Of course admonishing the sinner can take many forms. It might be parents teaching their young children clearly about faith, about right and wrong. It might mean young people challenging bad actions or judgments of classmates before they get out of hand. It might be a private chat between adult friends or neighbors. Or it might mean a full blown intervention with a group lovingly coming to someone falling into sin.

Whatever the scenario, it is an act of mercy to lovingly call sinners back. It is an act of mercy to set the conditions in family, or work or friendship so that sinfulness is not encouraged, especially by silence.

Finally, the goal of admonishing the sinner is to remind them of God’s mercy. Sin can always be forgiven when we repent. What a great act of mercy it is to encourage others, even to bring them, to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Coming to Christ and the Church in confession is the final break with sin, the ultimate embrace of forgiveness.

Once again, please don’t overlook your own confession during this Lenten season. And if you are able to lovingly encourage someone who has long been away from reconciliation to confess this Lent, that is a way to fulfill this great act of mercy.

And of course don’t forget, confessions will be heard from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the Diocese of Rockford on March 16. Whether it’s been a long time or not, the Church is inviting you to come and Be Reconciled.