Pope denounces the sins of indifference and sloth

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.