Pastor's Spiritual Reflections

By Fr. Leo Schneider (9/16/2007)

Dear People of Holy Name,

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1Tim 1:15)

Paul’s life demonstrates the forgiveness and mercy of God. Once a persecutor of Christ’s followers, he becomes one through the mercy of God. God did not hold his transgressions against him, but filled him with his spirit to continue his mission. Paul stands as an example of God’s readiness to let our sins go, that he might fill us with his spirit to live as he would live.

God’s mercy is the hardest thing for us to understand and the hardest for us to accept and to give to others. Perhaps the mark of a true Christian is mercy. This is a hard concept for us to live when we live in a very unforgiving world.

I think of those who have served jail time for their offences. When they come out and try to live a good life, a lack of mercy makes their progress difficult. They find themselves denied certain jobs because of their ‘record’. While there is a reason for this practice in our society, I wonder if it keeps God’s mercy from touching those who really are trying. Jesus always gives us a new chance, what chance are we willing to give to others?

I know this sounds over simplified, but I do wonder about mercy in our Judeo-Christian culture. We are so quick to discount what people have done, if all of a sudden something ‘bad’ is discovered about them. Yes, I didn’t like hearing that Dr. Martin Luther King had extra-marital issues, but I don’t discount his incredible contribution to America, which I do believe was inspired and sustained by the Holy Spirit. He did give his life for the work of the Lord, which is more than those who like to point fingers do.

Mercy, we all need it and the best way to receive mercy is to give it. That’s what the eldest son in our Gospel today found difficult. His father was merciful to the younger son without taking anything a way from the older, but the older son is left to ponder the fathers love for him and whether he will enter the feast. We are left with the question, does he enter or does he not enter the home of the father?

This is the same question the scriptures leave for us this weekend. Will we opt for mercy and trust in God’s tremendous mercy toward us, in giving us his only son?

Let us ponder God’s mercy this week, and see if we look at ourselves, others and our society any differently, as we affirm our belief in God’s love and mercy for us.

In Christ’s peace, Fr. Leo