Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1464183
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 10 APRIL 2022 EYEWITNESS 14 Pope Francis emphasised the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness as he celebrat- ed Mass at the Granaries on the second day of his pastoral visit to Malta last weekend. Referring to the "people of God", the Pontiff began his homily by praising Malta for its faith. "Here in Malta, that people is numer- ous and lively, faithful in seek- ing the Lord through a concrete, lived faith. For this, I thank all of you." The Holy Father's homily used the Gospel story about a woman caught in adultery to issue an invitation to mercy - as well as a subtle warning against hypoc- risy. The sermon, which was met with applause, went on to consider the accusers of the woman in the Gospel passage. "In them, we see a reflection of all those who pride themselves on being righteous, observers of God's law, decent and respectable people. They disregard their own faults, yet they are very concerned about those of oth- ers. They go to Jesus: not with open hearts to hear his words, but "to test him and to have some charge to bring against him". "This reveals the inner thoughts of these cultivated and religious people, who know the Scrip- tures and visit the temple, yet subordinate this to their person- al interests and do not resist the evil thoughts brewing in their hearts. In the eyes of the peo- ple, they appear to be experts in things of God, yet they fail to recognise Jesus." The Pope reminded the faithful that the Gospel passage was a reminder "that at any time our individual and communal relig- iosity can conceal the worm of hypocrisy and the urge to point the finger at others" A call to mercy