Blogger Priest

Question

I would like to apologize to my Holy Father Pope Frances for my inappropriate behavior. I know that I have greatly disappointed him. I feel guilty because he is such an inspiration to me in his witness of humility and love. I expressed anger five times to protect the health and safety of my parents and I confessed that anger.

I see an opportunity for greater redemption ahead of me by not giving in to anger in the future. I have been condemned to prison but I have committed no crime. God will be my judge about my thoughts and deeds. While in prison, I pray for others without ceasing as I suffer and offer penance for my sins.

Response

The Pope might inspire you, but your essential faith relationship is with Jesus. It is not a matter of letting the Pope down. Our misbehavior or sins offend God. When we do wrong, we should go to Confession and seek to amend our lives. As for anger, it is a matter of human emotion or chemistry that we sometimes get upset. It is a passion that must be ruled by reason. There is also righteous indignation, as Jesus displayed toward the money changers. The sin of anger is something else altogether. Wrongful anger is intertwined with hatred, fury and frustration. Such wrath is savage and out of control. This type of anger is in opposition to the love of God and neighbor. That is really why we regard it as a sin.

As for your being in prison and innocent, I have no details and cannot say for sure what you are talking about. However, where ever we find ourselves, we should strive to be the Christians that the Lord wants us to be. If your life is hard, remember what was commemorated each year during the Triduum and Easter: Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and then Easter. Jesus was betrayed by those he loved, falsely accused, tortured and crucified on the Cross. He surrendered his life to atone for all the sins of the world. He took the punishment that was rightfully ours. Rising from the dead, he promises that those who believe in him will have a share in his life. Join your sufferings to the passion of Christ. Know that in Jesus Christ even the dark things of life can be transformed. The Cross was a sign of defeat but now it is a sign of victory. Keep the faith.

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