She looked at me and said, "I’ve had it with this Church. It's full of hypocrites.”  And then added, “People enter Church and leave the exact same way! They’re just as mean and unkind as everybody else.”  And with a sigh she ended, "Nobody ever changes.”  I looked at her with sympathy and responded, “I hear you. No one is perfect.”

Then putting her comments in perspective, I remarked: “If everyone who walks into Church is perfect, it wouldn’t be called Church, but rather heaven.”  I added, “Heaven is the sanctuary for the flawless.  These we canonize and call saints.”

Continuing, I added, “Meanwhile we on earth go to Church to learn how to become better than we are. “Jesus doesn't expect us to have a straight "A" report card every week.  He simply asks that we try the best we can, naming our faults, and being open to letting him do the rest."

Unlike this frustrated person, Jesus does not get discouraged.  He knows us and is patient with the changes we need to make in our lifetime.  And Jesus is willing to work with us for as long as it takes.

Everyday Jesus pours into our life ample opportunities for change.  He gives his healing grace plus sufficient patience!  Jesus rejoices when we have good days and he is alongside us when we go through the cloudy and dark ones.

He quickly sends the Holy Spirit to prompt us with love, hoping that we see a different path just around the corner.  When we are careless or thoughtless with those we love or act disrespectful or hurtful, Jesus gently pulls the strings of our hearts to still us from over-reacting.  What we know for certain is that Jesus doesn’t run from our ire.  Jesus knows we have good qualities tucked away in our hearts, especially when we forget, get tired, or simply fall on our face.  Jesus comes quickly to pull us back from the edge.  

He often gazes deep into our hearts at the good we have done, and what we yet can do.  And Jesus urges us to get up and choose that direction.  Jesus is always the positive force in our lives that inches us toward the direction of good.  What we need to do is appreciate this good and grasp it.

Jesus showed us when he walked the earth that even though he is fair and just, he prefers forgiving rather than punishing.  Jesus always leans heavily in favor of compassion and not condemnation.

As long as Jesus has hope that we will change, he brings the mercy we need to get up and go on.  For as long as we live, the precious gift of God’s mercy is ours simply for the asking.

Pope Francis understands this when he says, “I am a sinner.”  Pope Francis knows who he is, and he knows with Jesus at his side what he can become.  And yes, Pope Francis’ destiny is our destiny too.

My suggestion: Keep going to Church, it is the one place where even hypocrites can still become saints!