Pope Francis: “I am a sinner!”
From today’s Scripture: “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance, but sinners.” (Luke 5:31-32)
Some biblical scholars state, the number-one sin Jesus spoke against is self-righteousness. One of my favorite books, C.S. Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters,” also indicates that the devil has great pleasure in tempting the saved by instilling a sense of pride or righteousness.
Pope Francis when asked to describe himself said, “I am a sinner.” This simple statement is true of each of us. If we are free of mortal sin it is by the grace of God. It is God’s mercy then we share with those still seeking it.
One Glenmarian was listening to someone complain about the behavior of another parishioner and remarked, “Remember the Church stopped being perfect the moment you walked in.” It is our humble awareness that we are all sinners in need of God’s mercy that will help increase our ability to love one another without judgment.
Let us pray: Thank you, O Lord, for dying for my sins and setting me free. May I show compassion to my brothers and sisters. May I offer them mercy and love as you have offered to me, a sinner and your child.
Today’s author, Glenmary Father Steve Pawelk, is codirector of Glenmary’s novitiate program.
Photo courtesy of Martin Jernberg
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