Christ did not come to write books nor expound a philosophy. Neither did he intend to teach a theology that would be the answer to all of men’s questionings. Instead, he lived to serve others, to teach them how to love, to show them that life is beautiful and how it can be lived to the fullest. He showed that in our sinfulness, change and redemption is possible and he showed us how. He gave him person to us in encounter so we can answer life’s questions with him in our lives.
Pope Francis has the heart of the Good Shepherd that was Jesus. He wants us to go to the edges and the peripheries to seek and serve the least, the last and the lost. He invites us to recognize our shortcomings and receive God’s tender mercy and loving kindness. And when this happen, he challenges us to share the good news we have been blessed with.
If I am good, I am in need of no salvation. I know I am a sinner and I need Christ in my life.
And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”
Matthew 9:9-13