Word to the Wise
Saturday, June 1, 2024 - Saturday in the 8th Week in Ordinary Time
[Jude 17, 20b-25 and Mark 11:27-33]Beloved, remember the words spoken beforehand by the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. Build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. On those who waver, have mercy; save others by snatching them out of the fire; on others have mercy with fear, abhorring even the outer garment stained by the flesh. [Jude]
JUNE 1 ST. JUSTIN, MARTYR
The Letter of Jude is a single "chapter" and seems directed to a Christian community dealing with false teachers. Scripture scholars debate the time of its composition, anywhere from 80 to 125 A.D. Nevertheless it found its way into the canon of scripture.
The portion of the Letter of Jude that is presented to our reflection resonates with a major theme in the ministry of Pope Francis. One of his first books published after his election is entitled, THE NAME OF GOD IS MERCY. The letter exhorts the community to be merciful toward those who are experiencing difficulties in their faith. Occasionally, some direct and explicit action may be required to make this possible. In my experience in campus ministry, it is common for students to experience doubts and questions about their faith. These doubts and concerns must be treated with respect and patience and not treated as some kind of sin against God or the Church - in other words, with mercy! It may be necessary to challenge false ideas with firm teaching but this can be done in a way that makes truth far more attractive than error. This is especially important in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I have heard stories from students about being scolded by intolerant confessors for having doubts and concerns that are normal for their stage of life. But the title of Pope Francis' book is a good one to remember no matter what the context may be because we are all in need of God's mercy as given by merciful neighbors! AMEN