WORKS OF MERCY - RECLAIM - FOR MINISTERS
There was once a beautiful young woman who grew wealthy by selling her body as a prostitute. Her body was naked to the dangers of selfish men and her soul was naked to the dangers of sin. One day she passed by a Church where Mass was being celebrated, by a bishop no less. The faithful who were gathered there turned their eyes away from her nakedness in shame. But the bishop looked directly at her and admired her beauty. He did not look at her in a lustful way, but in a way that saw her identity as a daughter of God, and he prayed for her. The next day, no doubt curious about the way the bishop had looked at her, the young woman came back to the Church to hear the bishop preach. She was so inspired by her encounter in the Church that day that she repented and asked to be baptized. She even gave away all of her wealth to the Church and lived out the rest of her life as a hermit. Today we recognize this young woman as St. Pelagia, and the bishop as St. Nonnus of Edessa.
All this because of the power of a simple gaze. One that saw beyond the sin to the heart of the sinner. This is similar to how Jesus looks at each one of us. In Scripture, we see Jesus associating with and even embracing those who live a publicly sinful life. His encounters with them are always tender, while also calling them to “sin no more.”
How can our parishes imitate this type of loving admonishment when it comes to ministering to young adults? Do we have the patience to first earn our right to be heard, by building relationships with those who might be struggling with particular sins? Can we rely on the Holy Spirit, and not our own pride, to help us find the right words of warning or advice? Do we trust in the truth of our message, that it will meet the desires of young hearts, rather than watering it down or avoiding difficult topics? Are we able to examine our own lives and lead by love and example, which can often speak louder than words? And are we willing to pray (more than we speak) for the conversion of young hearts?
These are all deep questions that parishes and young adult ministries can take to prayer as we reflect on what it means to “clothe the naked” and “admonish the sinner.” Around us there are many young hearts left exposed and vulnerable to evil, waiting to be reminded about their dignity. We are called to clothe ourselves with Christ and with virtue, and to help these young people do the same. The hardest part might just be that this mission needs to be accomplished in God’s vision and timing, not our own.
“My brothers, if anyone among you should stray from the truth and someone bring him back, he should know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20)
“Brothers, even if a person is caught in some transgression, you who are spiritual should correct that one in a gentle spirit, looking to yourself, so that you also may not be tempted” (Galatians 6:1)
“If your brother sins [against you], go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that ‘every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church.* If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:15-17)
“We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. ” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
