Pope Francis: be merciful towards others to receive mercy from the Lord
By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp
Pope Francis reminds us that none of us will be able to escape God’s judgment—we will all be judged, both personally and universally. This reality helps the Church reflect on its own behavior toward one another and toward God. This call coming during Lent is an invitation to the Church for renewal.
God will judge us all
Beyond not judging, we are called to forgive one another. “Each of us might think: ‘But I never judge, I don’t make myself a judge.’ ” With this in mind, Pope Francis invites us to examine our consciences. For example, when we have been at a meeting, or during a meal, “how many minutes have I spent judging others?” we can ask ourselves. “Judging others is terrible because the Lord is the only judge,” the Pope continues.
Humility the key to receive God's mercy
The invitation, therefore, is to be merciful with others in the same way the Lord will be merciful to us. “We know that God’s justice is mercy.” In order to receive God’s mercy, we must be humble, recognizing that we are sinners. “When we meet God’s justice with our own shame, that is where we find forgiveness,” the Pope says.
Grace to ask: feeling shame
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