Reflections of a Wandering Mind

"Our Father...forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." In recent months, Pope Francis has given interviews that have stirred the emotions of the Catholic and secular world alike.   To be sure, he discussed many topics, but my focus here is his statements on sin.   I’ll admit that my initial emotional response as a traditional Catholic was one of dismay.   But that first feeling was quickly replaced with peace; I knew there was more to his statements than what I was reading. And so, even thought I didn’t need the reassurance, it was important to be informed in case I was ever given the opportunity to share Pope Francis’ message of salvation through the love, mercy, and forgiveness of our Lord. First of all, I want to address the most controversial statements right off the bat.   Yes, in the July 28, 2013 interview with reporters during his return flight from Brazil, Pope Francis did say, “If someone is gay and is searching for th...

If I say to the wicked man, you shall surely die; and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his wicked conduct so that he may live; that wicked man shall die for his sin, but I will hold you responsible for his death.  If, on the other hand, you have warned the wicked man, yet he has not turned away from evil nor from his wicked conduct, then he shall die for his sin, but you shall save your life. ~Esekiel 3:18-19 Don't you just hate it when someone points out your faults or criticizes your actions? No one wants to hear negative feedback whether it be in the form of job evaluations, parental guidance, (or, as teens usually feel, parental nagging), friendly advice, or downright admonishment from strangers (hint: long, loud honks on the road)! But the person in most need of guidance is most resistant to it: the obstinate sinner. Someone who believes they are doing nothing wrong are the hardest to reach when it comes to sin. Almost always, they use the Bible...