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“A person who thinks
only about building walls,
wherever they may be,
and not building bridges,
is not Christian.
This is not in the Gospel,”
Pope Francis Feb 18 2016
A few hours ago the funeral of Pope Francis focused on death as the transition into the life for which we were created.
It was a simply ceremony in the uncluttered default form available to every person who asks for the rich Catholic Funeral Rites.
Appropriately during the funeral homily we were reminded of some of the ways in which the life and words of Pope Francis proclaimed the heart of the mission of Jesus Christ: care for the marginalised, attention to the signs of the times, warmth and sensitivity to today’s challenges and constant insistence on working on behalf of the poor.
It was the exhortation Build bridges, not walls that moved me most. This reminder was spoken often by Francis and was the visible theme of his twelve-year papal ministry.
Bridges not walls.
Francis’ openness to hearing the Holy Spirit speaking especially through those who feel marginalised returned us to the heart of the past and present earthly ministry of Jesus.
While the Church often appears as a walled enclave with clerics perceived to be the guardians at the gate both Francis and Jesus vehemently criticised any who even inadvertently reinforced such a flawed and even fatal image.
Not walls but bridges.
These past dozen years have seen Francis in every encounter able to look to the heart of good doctrine and lovingly encounter any person who is experiencing rejection or isolation. I’m remembering his significant encounters with refugees, those who are divorced and remarried, gay people and those who are sick or in prison.
In each situation he not only discovered the bridges but instead of waiting he took the steps himself to cross to the other.
As we conclude the Easter Octave and these online-retreat days with this Divine Mercy Sunday, we remember that our ability to be merciful towards others comes from knowing that God is first being merciful towards each of us.
“Go to Jesus: he likes to hear about these things. He forgets, he has a special knack for forgetting. He forgets, he kisses you, he embraces you, and he says: ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go, [and] from now on do not sin any more.’ That is the only advice he gives. If things haven’t changed in a month…we go back to the Lord. The Lord never tires of forgiving: never! It is we who tire of asking him for forgiveness. We need to ask for the grace not to get tired of asking for forgiveness, because he never gets tired of forgiving.”
The Name of God Is Mercy
Pope Francis’ first book as pope
Thank you Fr John. Much to think about.
Fr John grateful thanks for today’s .& all the other very meaningful reflections in recent weeks. May you be blessed with good health to continue share Gods message all through this year as we journey as Pilgrims of Hope
Thank you Father John for all your words of wisdom through this Easter season. God bless you in your work.
Yes, thank you so much John, we are all blessed in being pilgrims together.
Thank you John for these meaningful reflections which always add substance to my Christian journey of Hope.
Ww are so fortunate to have access to these inspirations which move us to new understandings. You are a blessing to us all, Fr John, especially in these challenging times. Many thanks for this website giving us such easy access to new wisdom.
Thank you Fr John for these daily reflections, you have contributed to nourishing my relationship with the Lord. May our heavenly Father continue to grant upon you these skills to bring his people closer to him. Love and prayers from New Zealand.
Thank you John, your ministry means a great deal to us all. Best wishes
Lord, give us the grace to never grow tired of forgiving. Thank you John, for this reminder. You taught me, what to pray today.