One of the most memorable classes I took as an undergraduate English major was titled “Graham Greene: A Novelist Looks at Faith,” taught by the Jesuit theologian Father Robert Kennedy. To this day, I credit that course with helping me remain a practicing Catholic.  

The main characters in Greene’s novels are often deeply flawed or else struggle with their faith. And yet, they turn out to be more merciful and compassionate than those who present themselves as pious believers. Greene’s point is that we can mess up and still be worthy of love—the love of other people and the love of God. We can fail to live up to our own ideals at times and still be good, though imperfect, people.  

Repeatedly in the Gospels, Jesus offers his friendship to those most in need of mercy and forgiveness. He seeks out people cast off by polite society and labeled “sinners.” St. Paul’s epistle today, as well as the Gospel, underscores the mind of Jesus. He came to rescue those like you and me who sometimes live messy lives, who fall short in our efforts to do what is right and good. Who are, in brief, all too human. 

I’ve always been heartened by the fact St. Benedict devotes fourteen chapters (Count them, fourteen!) in his Rule to what can be called relationship repair. Echoing Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel, Benedict says in his chapter “Concern for the Excommunicated,” “The prioress or abbot must exercise the utmost care and concern for the wayward, because it is not the healthy who need a physician, but the sick.”  

Are we not blessed to have a Lord who loves and accepts us not only in spite of, but because of our shortcomings? Can we too offer that same hope for second, third, fourth, or however many chances are necessary, to those in need of our forgiveness and mercy?