It has been a year since Pope Francis became pope. And what a year it has been. He has inspired us with his words and wisdom. He has touched the world and changed many through his actions. One of his enduring messages has been his call for forgiveness for those who have hurt us and for mercy and compassion for the poor and the afflicted. he has challenged us to come down from the heights of our pride and self-righteousness to forgive and from the heights of our greed and selfishness to be compassionate and serve the poor.
Pope Francis is being the faithful witness to the message of Christ. Most people are not big-time sinners or criminals. Jesus tells his disciples that their righteousness should be more than just not killing people. Being angry at others or causing them harm is also like killing them, slowly perhaps but it is still like destroying the life in them. In the same way, Jesus warned His disciples that one commits adultery just by casting a lustful eye on a woman.
Yet, with this very demanding call for righteousness, Christ also calls for compassion and forgiveness. If we come to Him for forgiveness and mercy, He will grant these. But He challenges us to be likewise be forgiving and merciful. It is not easy. I still harbor ill feelings against some people who I feel had hurt me in the past. I now lay these feelings and leave them and forgive all those who have hurt me. I will not bear them any grudge anymore and will accept them again as my brother and sisters.
I have hurt others as well, both knowingly and unwittingly. I find it hard to come forward and say sorry. I find it hard go out of my way to seek them out and ask for forgiveness. I pray for the courage and humility to be able to do so when I meet them again.
If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?
Jesus said to his disciples:
“I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that
of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.
“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.
But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, . . .
Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother
has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar,
go first and be reconciled with your brother,and then come and offer your gift.”
Matthew 5:20-26