April 01, 2014 - Pope Francis on Tuesday denounced the indifference, hypocrisy,
sloth and lack of apostolic zeal of Christians to get involved, saying it does not
lead to salvation. Speaking in his homily at the morning Mass at the Casa Santa
Marta residence in the Vatican, the Pope reflected on Jesus healing the paralytic,
sick for 38 years, waiting to be healed. Jesus’ act of mercy draws the wrath of
the Pharisees. From this episode, the Pope denounced the resignation and bitterness
of the sick man. He spoke of Christians without enthusiasm who are embittered and
who don’t get involved with the life of others or the Church. They are satisfied
attending Mass and don’t want to be disturbed by others. The Pope denounced this disease
of sloth and indifference saying this kills apostolic zeal. Such Christians, the
Pope said, are anesthetized. Another attitude that Pope Francis denounced is the
sin of formalism of the Pharisees who criticized his healing on a Sabbath. Such Christian
hypocrites are only interested in formalities. They close the door to the grace
of God and hence close the door to salvation. Against such sins, the Pope puts in
contrast Christ’s attitude and action. He asks the cripple, “Do you want to be healed?”
and then, “Sin no more.” After healing the paralytic, Jesus tenderly and with love
tells the man not to sin. This, the Holy Father pointed out, is the Christian way,
the way of apostolic zeal: to get close to many people who are injured.