Msgr. Pope on St. Gregory and the Balance of Love and Correction

"Applying salutary discipline, and balancing it with necessary consolations and encouragement is never an easy task. It is possible that [parents] can be too severe on their children, such that they become disheartened, and lack necessary self-esteem. But it is also possible that parents can be too lax such that their children become spoiled and lack proper self-discipline and humility. Hence Scripture seeking to balance teaching with encouragement says, Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord (Eph 6:4)

"Pastors too in their leadership of parishes need also to find proper balance, offering kindness, consolations, and encouragement and witness to their congregation, while not failing to properly rebuke sin and warn of its consequences  and of the coming judgment. . . ."

In a recent commentary based on the advice given by Saint Gregory in his Pastoral Rule, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on the need for clarity with charity, and charity with clarity in balancing love and correction on the family level and on the pastoral level.

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Community in Mission: On the Balance of Love and Correction according to St. Gregory. (15 JUN 21)