One of the central motivations for monastic communities is the mutual assistance that communal life makes possible. Saint Jude describes some of this mutual assistance, with his exhortation to have mercy on those who waver, and to save others by snatching them out of the fire. Unfortunately, this doesn’t automatically happen and, as the gospel illustrates, communal life can actually reinforce sin and mediocrity. The chief priests, the scribes, and the elders, discuss Jesus’ question and with their evasive answer, reinforce each other’s stubborn resistance to Christ and his teaching. It is this sad possibility that has Saint Jude cautioning his readers to have mercy with fear on some, abhorring even the outer garment stained by the flesh. Accordingly, we need to remain ever vigilant to ensure that we will never confirm or reinforce a brother in sin. Instead, aided by the intercession of Saint Justin, may we always offer support and inspiration to one other, so as to encourage one another to ever deeper conversion and holiness—thereby proving ourselves to be true monks and true disciples of Christ.