L
LongingSoul
Guest
ncronline.org/blogs/roman-observer/pope-francis-not-so-clear-very-present-danger
…But the most pernicious threat that Francis poses to so many in our society and our church is linked to his obsession with mercy.
Yes, mercy. It is a far more dangerous weapon than terrorist bombs.
That’s because the practice of mercy requires that we forgive those who have hurt us, even in horrible ways. It means that we pardon them rather than demand, according to human justice, that they restore exactly what they have destroyed (even if that is, more often than not, impossible).
Mercy and forgiveness are the exact opposite of retaliation, vindication or even retribution.
Calling us to be merciful – just as Jesus says we must not judge, but must turn the other cheek and love our enemies – goes against our innate sense of justice and fairness.
It is true that those who have harmed us or who have broken the law must be held accountable for their wrongdoing. But without mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation, there can be no healing, for either the victim or perpetrator.
By refusing to show mercy and pardon to those who have attacked or abused us, we – whether a nation, an institution, a particular group or a single individual – can too easily end up clinging to our wounds with pride and a false sense of righteousness.
The only way to heal these wrongdoings is by letting go of them.
Francis’ call for greater mercy in the world and in our lives is not some fuzzy, sentimentalist attempt to cover over faults or sweep wrongs under the carpet.
Rather, it is a challenging – yes, even threatening – message that will upend our lives if we truly embrace mercy and offer it to others.
The church, as the universal sacrament of salvation, needs to take up this summons to mercy.
This is the great intuition of Francis.
If it does not threaten some aspect of your life – no matter if you identify as a traditionalist, a progressive, or anything in between – then you probably aren’t listening.
…But the most pernicious threat that Francis poses to so many in our society and our church is linked to his obsession with mercy.
Yes, mercy. It is a far more dangerous weapon than terrorist bombs.
That’s because the practice of mercy requires that we forgive those who have hurt us, even in horrible ways. It means that we pardon them rather than demand, according to human justice, that they restore exactly what they have destroyed (even if that is, more often than not, impossible).
Mercy and forgiveness are the exact opposite of retaliation, vindication or even retribution.
Calling us to be merciful – just as Jesus says we must not judge, but must turn the other cheek and love our enemies – goes against our innate sense of justice and fairness.
It is true that those who have harmed us or who have broken the law must be held accountable for their wrongdoing. But without mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation, there can be no healing, for either the victim or perpetrator.
By refusing to show mercy and pardon to those who have attacked or abused us, we – whether a nation, an institution, a particular group or a single individual – can too easily end up clinging to our wounds with pride and a false sense of righteousness.
The only way to heal these wrongdoings is by letting go of them.
Francis’ call for greater mercy in the world and in our lives is not some fuzzy, sentimentalist attempt to cover over faults or sweep wrongs under the carpet.
Rather, it is a challenging – yes, even threatening – message that will upend our lives if we truly embrace mercy and offer it to others.
The church, as the universal sacrament of salvation, needs to take up this summons to mercy.
This is the great intuition of Francis.
If it does not threaten some aspect of your life – no matter if you identify as a traditionalist, a progressive, or anything in between – then you probably aren’t listening.
