Year of Mercy Reflection

Friday, Feb. 19, 2016

Christian Scriptures reveal Jesus as the face of mercy. He is the Lord, fully human yet fully divine, and His healing words bring peace. 

Jesus never condemns sinners. He offers mercy and forgiveness even to the most unlovable. He invites those who miss the mark into a new relationship, and they are forever changed. Lovingly, he welcomes them. Scripture presents joyful examples such as the woman caught in adultery: “Go and sin no more” – Jesus’ instruction is simple and compassionate. 

Sadly, we find ourselves in the murmuring crowd; we are inclined to turn to a friend and whisper, “OMG, did you hear what she did?” 

Pope Francis preaches on this vice, comparing people who gossip to terrorists. Make no mistake, he tells us, gossips are not suicide bombers, they are cunning survivors bent on crushing the reputations of others. They appear, lob grenades into our midst, then sneak away and avoid the explosion and twisted wreckage caused by their hurtful words.

Gossiping is not merciful behavior. It ruins reputations of co-workers, family members and neighbors. Gossips consider compassion and human dignity irrelevant. Their malicious words raise doubt, insinuate evil and urge us to make unjust assumptions. 

Sadly, we seem drawn to gossip. We know it is wrong, but we find ourselves tempted. 

How do we fight this tendency? Pope Francis advises us to bite our tongues and refrain from speaking ill of others. Practice this even if this causes our tongues to swell up painfully, he tells us. Gossip sparks discord, not harmony. 

The People of God are created to be joyful but there is no love, compassion or reconciliation when gossips lurk.

We need to discern if our words offer peace or provoke discord. We need to search for the good in others. Mercy demands examination of conscience. Then,  contrite, forgiven and healed, we embrace Jesus, who teaches us kindness and mercy. 

Susan Cook Northway

Director

Diocese of Salt Lake City Office of Religious Education