Examples of Christians showing great mercy to those who have wronged them often make the news. Most famously was Saint Pope John Paul II forgiving Mehmet Ali Agca, who had shot him. The picture of the two sitting together and the pope speaking to his would-be assassin is iconic. One can see themselves in the picture with Christ sitting there talking to them. The pope’s words are spoken in today’s Gospel when he says, “pray for my brother…whom I have sincerely forgiven.”
In the first reading, David will not allow Saul to be harmed, even though Saul has pursued David and intends to kill him. David still will not allow Saul to be harmed because he is the Lord’s anointed. David seeks to allow God to be the judge of Saul and will not take the matter into his own hands, even though Saul has been delivered to him. David will fail in many ways, but he will always seek to return to God and to trust in His mercy.
Jesus tells the Apostles how they are to live:
“Be merciful, just also as your Father is merciful.
Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together,
shaken down, and overflowing…”
Let us do an examination and ensure we are living by these essential and core instructions given to us by Christ. We will never be more merciful, loving, or generous than God. Go ahead, try to outdo God. Your reward will be greater!
School enrollment is open, and I encourage parents to consider the benefits of a Catholic school education. I enjoy any time I can be at the school, seeing students learning about their world, themselves, and God.
An essential part of the success of any school is parental involvement. Parents involved in their children’s lives help develop good habits and ensure continuity between what is taught at school and what is lived out in the home. There is no substitute for parents! We strive to provide a good, sound education in a Catholic environment that fosters the development of each child into a disciple of Jesus Christ.
St. Francis Solanus – Pray for us!
In Christ,
Fr. Bruce Scott
