“God doesn’t treat us according to our faults”, but uses his chastisements as a means to cause reflection, he said, adding that salvation implies making the decision “to listen and allow ourselves to be converted, but to always give thanks”.
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“Experience teaches us that each time we seek the path of privilege or benefits for a few to the detriment of the good of all, sooner or later the life of society becomes a fertile soil for corruption, the drug trade, the exclusion of different cultures, violence and also human trafficking, kidnapping and death”, Francis said while speaking to Mexican government officials last month.
Pointing out that “we often choose to tread the wrong paths in search of a justification, justice, and peace” Pope Francis said that these are gifts that are bestowed upon us by the Lord if we choose the right path and turn to Him. God, says the prophet Isaiah, does not delight in the blood of bulls and of lambs, particularly if the offering is is made by hands stained with our brothers’ blood.
“I think of some church benefactors who come with an offering”, he said, and sometimes that offering is “fruit of the blood of many people, who are exploited, mistreated, enslaved by poorly paid work”.
“I will tell these people to please take back their cheques. The People of God don’t need their dirty money but hearts that are open to the mercy of God”.
At the Pope’s words, the people in Saint Peter’s Square erupted in applause, after which Francis continued: “And it is necessary to draw closer to God with hands cleansed, avoiding evil and practicing good and justice”.
Then, Francis concluded, “though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they may become white as wool”.
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Pope Francis concluded with a special thought for the many refugees who are attempting to enter Europe and do not know where to go.
