For most Christians, Catholic in particular, God is seen as the God of Love and Mercy. And from such standpoint or belief, the head of the Catholic Church calls for the parishes, religious communities, monasteries and sanctuaries in Europe to express the concreteness of such belief by welcoming the refugees coming from Syria and other war-torn areas.
It can be reckoned that since the start of war and chaos in Syria and other affected areas, many European countries have struggled to accommodate the multitude of immigrants. While the superpower like United States hesitates to shelter refugees, the Supreme Pontiff last Sunday made an appeal and was asking everyone to see the situation from a strict moral lens. As quoted by thinkprogress, the Pope stated that;
"I address myself to my brother bishops of Europe ... that in their dioceses they will support this appeal of mine, remembering that Mercy is the second name of Love." The Pope then cited a line spoken by Jesus Christ in the gospel of Matthew: "Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me."
This is not the first time that the Holy See expressed its position regarding immigration help. For when clashes broke out along Italy's border earlier this year causing immigrants to flee from Libya, the Pope then stated that "those who shut out refugees should seek forgiveness, especially those that close the doors on these people who are searching for family, that are searching for safety."
From such simple yet significant gesture of kindness, one should realize that anger and animosity do not only reflect war and chaos, but it likewise reflects stubbornness of the heart to do what is right and just. One must always be mindful that in times of crisis, it is not just the things that we do that matters. For most of the time it is the things that we fail to perform that make the difference.
