Pope Francis has declared a year of Mercy that will begin on December 8, 2105, and it will end on November 20, 2016. Perhaps one of the most incredible examples of mercy was displayed by one of Pope Francis’ predecessors, Saint John Paul II. On May 13, 1981, then Pope John Paul II was riding in the popemobile, when a Turkish man by the name of Mehmet Ali Agca, came up to the vehicle and attempted to assassinate the Pope. The attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II had failed. Rather than holding a grudge against Mehmet Ali Agca, Pope John Paul II did one of the most incredible things I have ever heard of- he forgave Mehmet Ali Agca. This act of Mercy should serve as an example of how we should forgive someone. Pope John Paul II met with Agca in 1983, and spoke alone with him. Although not many details were given about what was discussed, it is known that the Pope had indeed forgiven Agca for his actions. He gave Agca a rosary as a gift, so he could pray. This is one of the most extraordinary examples of forgiveness ever displayed by a human being. This should teach all humans that we should forgive anyone who wrongs us, no matter how severe the wrongdoing was. This story teaches me that, whatever wrongdoing one may commit, you have the power to forgive that person. If John …show more content…
We live in a world in which forgiveness is not given, we have to beg, plead, and earn forgiveness from someone for doing something. Yes, there are cases in which we must plead for forgiveness, but that does not mean they should have to earn it. Forgiveness is something that is meant to be given, hence the root word give. I need to apply Saint John Paul II’ s lessons of forgiveness into my life, so that I may show how forgiveness should be given. In the year of Mercy I will try my best to administer forgiveness as Saint John Paul II did during his
At great personal costs to himself, John reveals Abigail’s true motivation of jealousy and desire. When he confesses to committing adultery,John knows numerous people have died or confessed to having been visited by Satan. However, the confession does not help anyone as John is being accused of
It is very important to practice forgiveness. I believe that John has done that. Hatred is a heavy burden to bear, and leads to destruction. I believe through his newfound relationship with God, he will forgive, then rebuild his relationship with his father. And it has proven to me that he’s embarked on his quest with integrity and dignity.
For my outside enrichment I decided to watch the message Pope Francis delivered to the United States Congress. In his memorable speech, Pope Francis speaks powerfully about topics ranging from the refugee crisis, the death penalty, and the arms trade. In our society, we are thought to treat religion and politics as two completely separate entities, but Pope Francis overcomes that nonsensible topic and exemplifies politics as source of unification, similar to the purpose of religion. One topic that he mentioned was the refugee crisis in the wake of radical extremism. Should America accept Syrian and Iraqi refugees? Pope Francis makes it clear that not all these refugees are members of Islamic extremism, and that the US should listen to their
The idea of forgiveness resonates differently with every individual. Where do we draw the line in terms of offering up a sincere acceptance of someone’s apology? Are there any acts that we as individuals will absolutely not be able to ever excuse? In the case of Simon Wiesenthal, those questions were brought directly into his life in a way more powerful than many of us will ever experience in our lifetimes. After living through the Holocaust, Wiesenthal was confronted by one of the former SS members and asked to forgive his atrocious acts of violence against innocent Jewish people. His decision is one that Wiesenthal has been seeking validation for ever since it was made.
LeGuin, Ursula K. “Forgiveness Day.” Four Ways to Forgiveness. New York: HarperPaperbacks, 1995. Pp. 47-124.
...ain we see how Saint Francis worked to bring all of God’s creation to live harmoniously with one another. As well these stories and the stigmata stories, they are all perceived as miracles and are still currently used to demonstrate people about living in peace.
Previous to the speech, Pope Urban II had received a message from the Byzantine emperor asking for help to fight off the Arab invaders. So in this speech, the pope urged everybody in Christendom to carry out their duties as Christians, and go to fight for God. The pope claimed to all of his followers that anybody could have their sins and mistakes forgiven, and they could be in the good graces of God.
On Thursday May 7th Pope Francis and the Catholic Church had announced that they would forgive anyone how has had aborted. However still sticking to the belief that abortion is a sin Pope Francis and the Vatican bid on this to catch up with modern times. He would be sending out his Missionaries of mercy to pardon any women how have aborted a child. In addition to that he would also be reaching out to the doctors and the nurses who help perform abortions. Which will start in the so called Holy Year of Mercy which will be acknowledged on December 8, 2015 through November 20,215. However some think doing this would cause misperception among the Catholic community. But, others like Italy’s Cardinal Velasio de Paolis has said he’s the pope of mercy
During the Great Jubilee year, John Paul II gave a relevant speech of apology on behalf of the entire Catholic Church for the serious sins committed by its members for over 2,000 years. Since John Paul II did that, he wished the Church to enter the new millennium with a clean slate, allowing it to speak to and discuss freely with the other religions of the world, including the cultures and nations from a place not only of permanency but also of moral and religious power, having acknowledged in specific ways the crimes, from time to time unbearable, committed by its human origins throughout history. These apologies were hardly accepted, and common apologies for sins committed against the Church and its members have not been imminent. “Catholics distinguish between the holiness of the inevitable sinful nature of men, including the men who serve the Church stated by Thomas E. Woods Jr.”
Forgiveness and justice are very similar than we believe them to be. We believe that justice is
“Now we come to forgiveness. Don’t worry about forgiving me right now. There are more important things. For instance: keep others safe, if they are safe. Don’t let them suffer too much. If they have to die, let it be fast. You might even provide a heaven for them. We need you for that. Hell we can create ourselves.”
The motivation and tendency of people to forgive others remains an important topic of discussion. In today’s society most people at some period have experienced feeling of un forgiveness towards friend, or relatives. “Forgiveness was defined as the ability to relinquish of resentment towards others” (Baskin & Enright, 2004, p. 80).
It is no surprise that Pope Francis has been a prevalent topic in the US at this moment. Like many historical figures in our society, he has a gift with words, presenting speeches to inspire the people and reinvigorate the essence of the Catholic Church. This particular speech is no different, as he addresses the nation of America and the controversial topics that are currently plaguing the world, and offers his pacifist response to these issues, as well as encouragement to those in our country who strive to be good citizens. Through the use of allusions to his religion, American government, and current world issues, he gives an insight on his opinion of America, and how it tackles the issues that cause controversy and discussion among the
“Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude.” Martin Luther King. The concept of forgiveness comes easily to some people but hard for others. It is a choice that every human being is faced with in one’s lifetime. Forgiveness is a deep-rooted emotion that controls the process of forgiving or being forgiven. Forgiveness requires compassion and a caring heart; it is truly a selfless act. There are many views and effects when discussing the topic of forgiveness, some of these include, the religious views as well as the positive and negative effects of forgiveness.
Forgiveness is the act of releasing an offender of any wrong or hurt they may have caused you whether they deserve it or not. It is a decision to let go of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group of people. When we choose to forgive, we’re wiping the slate clean, cancelling a debt, or as I love to say, “Letting it go.” In the Bible, the Greek word for forgiveness literally means to “let it go.” This concept, “forgiveness,” is easier said than done. Majority of people find it very difficult to let go of offenses and hurts caused by others. I really do believe that most people desire to let it go, but we lack the knowledge of how to do it. As believers, we are instructed by God maintain an attitude of forgiveness.