Posted on 12/02/2015 10:14:59 AM PST by marshmallow
Pope Francis has explained his plans for the Jubilee Year of Mercy, in an interview with the Italian magazine Credere.
"I believe that this is the time for mercy," the Pope said. "We are all sinners, all of us carry inner burdens."
The idea of a Year of Mercy reflects a theme that has been developed by previous Pontiffs, Pope Francis said. In particular he mentioned St. John Paul II, who wrote Dives in Misericordia and instituted the feast of Divine Mercy. The emphasis on God's mercy, the Pope continued, is a "relatively recent renewal of a tradition that has however always existed."
Explaining his decision to call for a Jubilee Year, the Pope said:
The world needs to discover that God is the Father, that there is mercy, that cruelty is not the way, that condemnation is not the way, because it is the Church herself who at times takes a hard line, and falls into the temptation to follow a hard line and to underline moral rules only; many people are excluded.
Everyone needs mercy, the Pope said. Reflecting on his own failings, he disclosed: "I still make mistakes and commit sins, and I confess every fifteen or twenty days."
The Jubilee Year might help the faithful to recognize "the maternal dimension of God," the Pope observed. He explained that he was speaking of "the tenderness, typical of a mother, God's tenderness that comes from his innate paternity. God is both father and mother."
(Excerpt) Read more at catholicculture.org ...
Excellent.
"....that cruelty is not the way..."
Good.
"..... that condemnation is not the way....."
Very good.
....." because it is the Church herself who at times takes a hard line...."
Uh oh....here it comes...
"..... and falls into the temptation to follow a hard line and to underline moral rules only....."
Um.....without "moral rules" there is no sin and without sin there is no mercy. It's a package deal. They're two different sides of the same coin. What's he talking about here? Is he talking about repentance and turning to God or is he implying that "mercy" requires a relaxation of the "moral rules" because the former is too difficult?
".......many people are excluded."
Yeah....we exclude ourselves when we sin! That's the point. It's not the mean, inflexible, rigid, "fundamentalists" in the Church who are responsible. I am responsible for my own wrongdoing.
All he needs to say is "Go to Confession!!!!" instead of this never-ending shtick about the "hard line" Church!
Clean up in Aisle 5 du jour.
Have mercy on us and retire.
As far as this pope, he does not influence me one way or the other..he needs to retire...
He had better fall on his knees and pray to God for mercy.
He, as well as several of his predecessors have much explaining to do before they’re committed to hell!
That is a good attitude. You go to church to visit with God and you are truly blessed to have the experience of Him. Keep your eyes on the prize. : )
In today’s personal responsibility-free Western culture, “mercy” is all too often conflated with not having to face the consequences of choices we make. Have “mercy” on the family man who drives drunk and kills someone by not sending him to jail. Have “mercy” on the guy who is too lazy to find a job by paying to support him through your taxes. Have “mercy” on the poor Latin American migrants by letting them all into the United States and putting them on Welfare, Food Stamps, Obamacare, etc. Its actually time for a little less mercy.
Amen!
From St. Faustina’s Divine Mercy Diary: Jesus speaking to Sr. Faustina Kowalska:
Write down these words, My daughter. Speak to the world about My mercy; let all mankind recognize My unfathomable mercy. It is a sign for the end times; after it will come the day of justice. While there is still time, let them have recourse to the fount of My mercy; let them profit from the Blood and Water which gushed forth for them. O human souls, where are you going to hide on the day of God’s anger: Take refuge now in the fount of God’s mercy. O what a great multitude of souls I see! They worshiped The Divine Mercy and will be singing the hymn of praise for all eternity (Diary, 848).
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