There is a lot of confusion regarding the Pope’s recent interview. The media is reporting that the Pope doesn’t want us to focus on things like abortion, or gay marriage and that, of course, is very upsetting to Catholics who have (in my opinion rightly) fought regarding those issues. However, I do not believe that was the focus the Pope was intending.
I am reminded of the Gospel stories of the tax collector, the woman at the well, and the woman caught in adultery. Each of those stories emphasize Christ’s love for the individual and how it draws sinners (us) in. Then, Jesus instructs, corrects, and tells the individual to change their lives in keeping with God’s laws. “Go and sin no more.”
I believe, that this is the model Pope Francis is encouraging us to follow. Love first, then instruct, then we will see change in the world. The tax collector made restitution, the woman caught in adultery followed Christ and the woman at the well, spread the good news of Jesus’ saving love! Love changes everything.
When we are truly moved by love as Christ, for Christ and the Holy Trinity, we will no more ignore the poor and imprisoned. We will not kill the unborn. We will work for justice. How can we do anything less? God bless!
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