Before the Cross | Jesus speaks the truth with both disturbing, comforting results

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Archbishop Robert J. Carlson distributed Communion July 10 during a Mass at the JQH Arena in Springfield, Mo., The archbishop celebrated Mass for more than 3,000 teens who attended the Steubenville St. Louis Mid-America conference in Springfield. A second conference was held last weekend.

The Gospels portray Jesus as a man whose words could be both disturbing and comforting. He spoke out forcefully against hypocrisy and injustice, but He gave great comfort to those who were suffering — physically, emotionally or spiritually. We are called to act as Jesus did — to perform the spiritual works of mercy known as "admonishing sinners" and "comforting the afflicted."

When we admonish sinners, we warn them against the harm they are doing to themselves and others — and especially to their relationship with God. This spiritual work of mercy is not for the self-righteous hypocrites that Jesus spoke out against so often. All of us are sinners, and we all need to be warned against the harmful effects of our self-centeredness. That's why the Church urges her ministers to have a spiritual director. It's also why each of us is invited to take full advantage of the Sacrament of Penance.

When we warn sinners about the harmful effects of their behavior, we should do so out of love. When parents or grandparents admonish a child saying, "Don't talk to strangers," they are not nagging or scolding; they are giving the child a loving warning about real dangers that exist in our society today.

The same is true when these same parents or grandparents admonish older children, including young adults, about attending Sunday Mass. The dangers they are warning against are every bit as real (only more subtle), and the loving admonition that is given isn't nagging or scolding; it's a gift that comes from parents or grandparents who know from their own experience why the Church's Sunday obligation is a blessing and not a burden.

As faithful Christians, we have an obligation to admonish our political leaders against policies and laws that hurt the poor and the vulnerable. We are called to speak out against cultural values that weaken marriage and the family or that prevent individuals from reaching their full potential as human beings made in God's image.

We know that sinners can be very secretive. Frequently we recognize our sins, but are defensive about them. If the truth is not made known, it will be forgotten. Though it may cause strife at times, we must bear this cross and carry on. We must tell people when they are sinning — and let others do the same for us. We must not judge others, but when sins are committed in plain sight, they must be addressed.

Jesus admonished sinners all the time, but he didn't judge them or reject them. On the contrary, he welcomed them — always inviting them to repent and be free of their burdens. Jesus admonished not to condemn but to save.

Jesus didn't just issue warnings. He also comforted the sorrowful. Think of Martha and Mary and all the family members and friends in the Gospel who received consolation and hope as a result of Jesus' healing words. Jesus wept. He was filled with compassion and mercy. He was present to the sick and the dying. Even on the cross, when no one would have blamed Him for thinking of Himself, He prayed for us ("Father forgive them ...").

There are times when all we can do is give a thoughtful word to someone in pain or sorrow. We must comfort the afflicted. When we do, we help others cope with difficulties. When we share our presence and our kind words, we build up the dignity of our brothers and sisters in Christ who often suffer the most when they think they are alone. Let us never leave someone in misery without a loving word of consolation.

Whether disturbing or comforting, spiritual works of mercy are necessary activities for ordinary Christians who wish to be like Christ. When we perform these acts of charity, we build up the Body of Christ first of all by growing in holiness ourselves and, secondly, by helping our sisters and brothers live authentic spiritual lives.

Archbishop's Calendar

Here is the weekly schedule for Archbishop Robert J. Carlson:

Saturday, July 23

5 p.m. Celebrant and homilist, Mass of celebration of 50th anniversary of parish, Our Lady Queen of Peace, House Springs

Sunday, July 23

7:30 a.m. Celebrant and homilist, Mass at St. Joseph in Apple Creek

Monday, July 24

6:30 p.m. Blessing and opening of new doors, St. Joseph Cathedral, Sioux Falls, S.D.

Tuesday, July 25

2 p.m. Mass of dedication of new altar, St. Joseph Cathedral, Sioux Falls, S.D.

Thursday, July 28

1 p.m. Mass of ordination of priests, Rushmore Civic Center, Rapid City, S.D.