Mother Angelica on Receiving Correction with Love, by Mother Angelica

By Mother Angelica, Catholic Exchange, Jan. 7, 2022

Mother Angelica (1923-2016) was a Franciscan nun and founder of Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). She remains one of the most popular figures and personalities on Catholic television as well as a powerful witness for Christ.

Editor’s note: This article is adapted from a chapter in Mother Angelica’s Guide to the Spiritual Life. It is available from your favorite bookstore or online through Sophia Institute Press.

Receiving correction hurts us right in the heart, but it’s the secret of holiness. I don’t mean you need to go around griping at people and letting everybody gripe at you. What I’m saying is that God Himself allows us to be corrected. What do you expect love to do? Love corrects! When your parents do not correct you, that’s when you should worry. People — kids or other family members or friends — need to know that you love them enough to say, “Hey look, this is bad. You’re going to hurt yourself,” without taking away love.

That’s the point: When I correct somebody because I’m angry, I do not correct with love. I’m just getting something out of my system. But if I correct out of love, I can say it in the strongest way, and they know the difference. ….