Are we called to compassion?

Are we called to compassion? Of course we are.

But let’s say someone does something horrific. A crime that is not even socially acceptable that lands them in jail forever. Let’s say this crime was committed against you. Or worse, someone innocent that you love.

Are we called to compassion for this sinner? We are all sinners, but this one seems bigger. Seems more serious.

It makes sense to want justice. Blessed are they who thirst for justice, they will be satisfied. And in the end, God’s perfect justice will be fair and we will all love His perfect justice.

But do we want this person to repent? Do we hope for a deathbed (or earlier!) conversion? For a receiving of the Sacraments before they can’t anymore? Do we hope that they see the error of their sin, tell God how sorry they are, and be forgiven?

The prodigal son has always been difficult for me. The son at home was faithful the whole time. He didn’t get to party and have a grand ol’ time! And in the end his reward was the same as the son who frittered away his life. And the father rejoiced at his return. I feel like the faithful son. Here I am doing what I’m supposed to be doing (I try to, anyway) and I wonder why our Father is thrilled to see that son come back. But I think I am supposed to be happy too. Maybe that wayward son hurt me. Maybe I don’t think he’s worthy. But neither am I. We are, none of us, worthy. But we are called to want that conversion. Want that mercy. Want that person to return. We should watch for our wayward brother to return, sinful and sorrowful. We should rejoice!

We should never cut them off from the opportunity to repent. God’s justice is perfect. That son will need to repay his debt. He will need to work hard. But God’s mercy of him doesn’t remove the mercy from us. Love is knowing, wanting, and doing the good of & to others. And we are all called to love.