It is sometimes hard to think of admonishing a sinner as an act of mercy, but, it really is one of the most loving things we can do with and for each other.
"Admonish" seems like a hard word; but calling someone we love back into a right relationship with God is a tough task! It is not about judging or condemning. It is not about pointing out petty issues; it is not about being superior to another. Rather, it is about calling each other to walk in the ways of righteousness; to follow in the ways of Jesus. To admonish another is to say in a very strong way, "I care about you-not only in this life, but in the next as well!"
We are all sinners; we stumble and fall, and sometimes we cannot see what keep us from the loving kindness and mercy of God. We need each other to call us back; we need each other to empower us to "Come Home to Christ."
On Thursday, March 10th at 7:00 in the evening our St. Pius family will have the opportunity to celebrate together the loving-kindness and mercy of the Father in our communal reconciliation service. In the Spirit of Mercy, I admonish you, my brothers and sisters, to return to Christ with your whole heart and mind and being. It is in love, the love of Christ, that I, a sinner too, call you to come home.
Guest Blogger: Dr. Cheryl J. Fournier
PALF St. Pius X Catholic Church, Urbandale, IA
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