Mandela, pope, examples of applying God’s mercy to life

As we close out another year, I would like to hold up two men who have made a tremendous difference in our world: Nelson Mandela and Pope Francis. Both have applied the teaching of Jesus to their lives and have proved again that Christianity does work, if we apply it properly.

We have all seen the evil effect of one group of people “enslaving” another because they have the power to do so. Often when the oppressed group comes to power, they retaliate against their oppressors and a new cycle of violence and instability follows.

Nelson Mandela began as a South African freedom fighter similar to the patriots in our country who fought for freedom and human rights for everyone. He fought for equal power for the black community whom the white minority had “enslaved.” For his efforts, they put him in prison for 27 years.

When he was freed, he organized and advocated power for blacks and other people of color. Like Mahatma Gandhi he urged his followers to be nonviolent.

He took Jesus’ words seriously. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.” (Matt. 5:43-45)

Again, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matt. 6:14) And, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matt. 5:9)

When all South Africans had a right to vote, Nelson Mandela became the first black president. He set up a commission for reconciliation and gave the world good example by forgiving those who have oppressed him. He urged all citizens to state their hurts, then forgive and let go of them. It’s sad that other countries didn’t learn this all-important lesson.

Time magazine has named Pope Francis its “Person of the Year.”

It’s ironic that when our local bishops (Jacobs and Latino) are retiring because they have reached age 75, the 77-year-old Pontiff is taking on many global issues. He talks about his ideals for the church in his encyclical. I dream of a “missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today’s world, rather than for her self-preservation.”

Pope Francis’ main virtue is his down to earth humanity. Two students from the Jesuit-run Boston College went to the Vatican to get a place along the barricades for an audience with the pope. They had purchased a zucchetto (the white skullcap worn by the Pope). As the Pope’s vehicle passed them, they held out the skullcap, with a note inside that read, “Boston College loves our Jesuit Pope!”

The Pope saw it after he had already passed and ordered the driver to stop. A guard took the skullcap from the students. Pope Francis read the note, checked the skullcap for size, nodded and smiled at them, then put it on. In exchange, he handed the zucchetto he had been wearing to the guard, who gave it to the students.

The impact of this human approach by Pope Francis has increased church attendance throughout the world.

This statement sums up his pontificate well, “I prefer a church bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets rather than a church that is unhealthy . . . from clinging to its own security.”

Both men allowed Divine Love and Mercy to penetrate their humanity.