Pope Francis criticises those who take advantage of pain

Independent News & Media Irish regional newspapers' column. February 27.

Michael Commane
On Ash Wednesday Pope Francis went to Santa Sabina in Rome, which is the worldwide headquarters of the Dominican Order.

Popes have been going to Santa Sabina on Ash Wednesday since the fourth century.

The pope first calls to San Anselmo, which is the HQ of the Benedictines, and then he, with Benedictines and Dominicans, walks in procession to the nearby Santa Sabina.

Pope Francis celebrated Mass and distributed blessed ashes at Santa Sabina. As a Dominican I always keep an eye out to see what the pope says at Santa Sabina.

The sermon he preached on this Ash Wednesday is a gem and has some fabulous ideas in it. It is masterly constructed. He suggests that during the season of Lent we pause, see and return.

Early in his sermon he says:

‘We are subject to numerous temptations. Each of us knows the difficulties we have to face. And it is sad to note that, when faced with the ever-varying circumstances of our daily lives, there are voices raised that take advantage of pain and uncertainty; the only thing they aim to do is sow distrust. 

'If the fruit of faith is charity – as Mother Teresa often used to say – then the fruit of distrust is apathy and resignation. Distrust, apathy and resignation: these are demons that deaden and paralyse the soul of a believing people.’

I’m wondering what public figures he has in mind who take advantage of pain and uncertainty? But they are out there roaring and screaming at us.

Pope Francis suggests we pause for a moment and ‘refrain from haughty looks, from fleeting and pejorative comments that arise from forgetting tenderness, compassion and reverence for the encounter with others, particularly those who are vulnerable.’

Of course we all try the tricks of being haughty with our looks and nasty with our comments. For the Christian, Lent affords us the perfect space and time, at least to try to be more compassionate and tender with people, but especially with those who are vulnerable and marginalised.

Reading Pope Francis’ words I couldn’t help but think of the nasty and horrible words that the far-right is spewing out every day.

On the same day that Pope Francis spoke about being compassionate and tender, a leading member of the far-right German political party, the AfD, said nasty things about Muslims. He referred to them, as being ‘riff-raff’ who are ‘camel drivers’.

Every day President Trump and his UK disciple Nigel Farage say the nastiest and most unpleasant things about those they consider to be their opponents. They spew out the vilest of comments. 

Last week President Trump had a go at Oprah Winfrey, screaming that her facts were incorrect. Donald, doesn’t seem to know that facts of their nature are true and correct. His poor use of English complements his berating of those with whom he disagrees. 

Maybe I should go easy on both of them and their like and listen to what Pope Francis is saying. Still, it seems to becoming the norm to scream out the nastiest things about those whose opinions and views differ from ours. The pope is simply asking us all to calm down and try to understand the other person, especially those who are marginalised and vulnerable.

But he also puts great hope in the good that people do, ‘to see the gestures that prevent the extinguishing of charity, that keep the flame of faith and hope alive.’

Towards the end of the sermon he asks us ‘to return without fear, to experience the healing and reconciling tenderness of God.’

It’s well worth a read.