May 28, 2014
On Pope Francis’ return trip from World Youth Day in Brazil to Rome, he was asked about people who are gay. As he concluded his remarks to the reporter, the Pope said, “Who am I to judge?” These words went viral across the world. However, they are right out of the Gospel, “Do not judge and you will not be judged.” (Matthew 7:1)
Reconciliation is needed in our society and Church today because we have judged. And, in many ways in today’s society, we do not separate the person from their actions. In judging the action, we judge the person. It is precisely this that Pope Francis is challenging. In his now famous interview with an Italian newspaper, he exhorted us to always find the presence of God in everyone, despite what we may see. I believe this is a paradigm shift for relationships with one another and a profound model for us to practice.
Over the years in ministry, I remember well the stories of people’s lives. In Portland, Ore., as a deacon and young priest, I heard people’s stories and journeys to the church in the inquiry phase of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Sometimes as I listened I would say “Wow, my story of faith as a cradle Catholic is nothing like that person’s.” Other times I would say, “Thank God, my story was not like theirs.” All these stories challenged me not to judge early in my priesthood.
In San Francisco, when I was pastor of Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, Landings, A Paulist Reconciliation Ministry was active in the parish. The Landings program includes conversational gatherings with those struggling with the Church who were angry at God; some were hurt by someone in the Church; and others just drifted away, and no one missed them, which in itself became an issue. To listen to these stories and reasons that they were not actively engaged in the life of the Church was overwhelming, to say the least. Feelings are feelings, and sometimes it is hard to listen to this. However, Jesus invites us as his disciples, to leave the ninety-nine behind to see out the one who is lost. (Luke 15:4) Yes, one by one.
Many years ago when I was a seminarian at St. Paul’s College in Washington, D.C., the esteemed Paulist, Father Gene Burke gave a homily reflecting on reconciliation. One of the things he said in that homily was that we need to “listen people into existence.” I have not forgotten that message, and it works its way into my presentations in dioceses across the country. I believe it is at the core of Pope Francis’ relationship with people.
There is a time to talk, and there is a time to listen. I find that listening to people’s stories lets me know who they are, and my life is enriched by our journey together in faith. As a young child, I learned that everyone is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26). And, reconciling people is a great beginning point. As Pope Francis reminds us, we can encounter Jesus in others who are on the margins of our lives. What could be more joyful, than to encounter Jesus in the stories of others just by listening?