A church of mercy, not of vengeance

September 13, 2018
Stuart MacKenzie
San Bruno

The fine column, “The pope, capital punishment and Catholics” by Father Gerald Coleman (Aug. 23) is timely and very beneficial for us Catholics in the pews. He clearly explained the recent development of the change affecting No. 2267 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding the death penalty. (Let us not gloss over the fact that capital punishment kills people.) Recent popes saw capital punishment as problematic, affronting human dignity. Pope Francis now clearly says the death penalty is inadmissible in all cases.

This change is based on the absolute value, the human dignity of each human life from its beginning to its natural end.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus dissuaded some scribes and Pharisees from stoning to death a woman caught in adultery, a punishment acceptable in Mosaic law (John 8:3-11). Jesus teaches the absolute value of each human life, whether of a sinner or not. He teaches mercy.

Jesus’ church is a church of mercy, not vengeance.

Jesus’ church is a church of life, not death.

Father Coleman noted that 53 percent of Catholics support the use of the death penalty. Changing our minds will require much pondering of the refined Catholic teaching and of the Beatitudes, and much prayer.

Father Coleman also mentioned some vicious personal attacks on Pope Francis by some who disagree with him. Such attacks are disturbing, counterproductive, and un-Christian.

Peace, kindness, mercy, truth.
 

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