A Legacy of Pope Francis I

A Legacy of Pope Francis I

Submitted by Thomas Stidl

         Pope Francis I left many legacies for all Roman Catholics.  One of his major legacies involves judging others.  The comment that I am referring shocked the orthodox heterosexual community when he said, "Who am I to judge homosexuals who are truly seeking God?”  Almost everyone I know questioned the comment and did not think much of it at the time.  That was ground level at the time.  Now I think it is time to review this statement from the 5,ooo feet level.

         He was correct in the fact that he did not have the right to judge anyone.  Only Jesus Christ can judge us.  We are all sinners from the cardinals down to the laity.  This may put me in a bad light with Catholic hierarchy and many orthodox believers, but it is the truth.  Jesus told Pontius Pilate that he came to testify the truth.  The person of Jesus Christ and his life answers the answer to Pilate’s question, “what is truth?”.  Jesus also used proper judgment with the woman caught in adultery when He asked the woman if anyone in the crowd had condemned her.  She told Him that all the people left without condemning her.  His response was that He did not condemn her and added, “to commit this sin no longer”.  Once again Jesus showed mercy.

         When one of the thieves that hung beside Jesus on the cross, asked to be remembered when the Lord enters into his kingdom, the thief was told that “this day you will be with Me in paradise.”  Again the Lord showed mercy.  By the Pope saying that it was not up to him to judge was the proper answer.  He deferred to God as judge.  God is the only fair judge.  He not only sees the outward signs of our actions, but God sees the total picture of our human lives.  He sees our acts but He also sees the internal motivations of our actions.  When we say the act of contrition at least daily, the Holy Spirit sends us the actual graces to change our inside motivations and acts.  We are all pilgrims on a journey to the Father’s house.  We must pray for each other.  Pope Francis I was just walking in the footsteps of Peter and Jesus.  Not judging others for sexual or other actions that we may deem sinful should be our number one priority.  It would definitely cut down on repeating gossip.  This way you will never need to listen close the first time!!

         Until next time, Laus Tibi, Christe.  Deo Gratias.  Gloria Tibi Domini.  Laus Deo.  See you in Paradise.