Pope Francis' "The Joy of Love"

Once again, Pope Francis has released a new document that has many Catholics (and non) in a tizzy. Many claim he is trying to change Church doctrine in a way that would fit the desires of the world. Oh my! That certainly is a scary and unsettling thought. Just as everyone has an interpretation of The Pope’s words, I, too have my own.

As I read various articles reporting sections of this document, the same picture kept coming to mind. I envisioned Jesus, drawing on the ground, as the crowd presented the woman caught in adultery, demanding that Jesus judge her according to church rule. Imagine the moments that Jesus did not reply, just continued his seemingly mindless doodling in the sand. I believe that Pope Francis is “drawing on the ground” as he makes the statements that many find untraditional. We know the story ends with Jesus instructing the crowd, “Let the one among you without sin cast the first stone.” After the crowd disperses with no stone being thrown, Jesus declares to the woman, “Has no one condemned you? Then neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

With this document, Pope Francis is inviting all of us to look at our own lives, particularly in our judgement of others, specifically those that live in “irregular situations”. We must remember, we are all sinners, no matter our attempts at living a holy life – it’s that pesky human nature again. But, we can’t forget Jesus’ instruction to “go and sin no more”. That is the part I believe is an invitation to the individuals living in whatever “irregular situation” it may be, to come to Jesus, to develop a deep personal relationship with Him. Similarly, Pope Francis is calling for us, the faithful, to welcome and encourage these others to come to know Jesus – this Jesus that doesn’t judge. And, through their new intimate relationship, learn what is truly sinful in the ways of our Heavenly Father. Then, with the new understanding and discernment, we pray that they choose to live their lives in a way pleasing and obedient to God.

When we live our lives for Christ, it is with the great love we find in Him that makes living holy and obedient lives a blessing. When we stay connected to Jesus, it is true joy to live according to His teachings. When we live as children of God, we live His will, not ours. I don’t believe Pope Francis intends for us to overlook and accept sin. He is appealing to all of us to look at our lives and see what needs to be altered in order to live our best lives in Christ. For the love of God, let His will be done. God bless this vicar of the Lord!