Emmanuel world by Christ ( 1 Cor 1:18 , 21 , 23 ). God ’ s love for sinful humanity ( see Rom 5:5-8 ), displayed in the cross of Christ , goes beyond reason and , because of that , it may be considered as nonsense in the view of those who subscribe to traditional human wisdom ( 1 Cor 3:18-19 ; 1 Cor 2:14 ). The context within which all reasoning must be done is that of faith , centered on the cross as the manifestation of God ’ s mercy .
In Galatians , Paul calls a group of his addressees “ mindless ” ( Gal 3:1 ) because of their demand from Gentile converts of full obedience to the Jewish law , in particular , circumcision and the celebrations of the Jewish feasts . For Paul , their demand of full adherence to the law clashes against and empties the revelation of God ’ s mercy in Christ . That is why in Galatians 2:4-5 he can refer to the “ freedom which we enjoy in Christ Jesus ,” which enabled him to avoid imposing circumcision on Titus . The law finds its fulfillment , i . e ., its goal and climax , in love ( Gal 5:14 ; Rom 13:9 ).
Ironically , some of today ’ s Catholic critics adopt the pagan position that mercy is fulfilled in the law whereas the Church teaches the opposite : the law is fulfilled in mercy . Justice and rationality must be viewed in the greater context of faith and mercy , not the other way around . 9
II . Mercy and Law
Some critics think that Pope Francis chooses mercy against the law . 10 Not so . The choice is never between mercy and law . The choice is whether a law will be applied mercifully or harshly . Mercy does not present itself as an alternative to the law ; rather , mercy is the Christian way of applying the law , and can even lead a person beyond the law . Other critics think that the mercy of the pope would overturn longstanding laws against polygamy and adultery , for example . 11 Let ’ s take this a step at a time .
A simple analogy might help . Several months ago , I was stopped by a police officer for exceeding the speed limit by a good 15 miles per hour . He informed me of the infraction and asked for my license . I explained that I did not see the speed limit sign . He asked , “ How good is your driving record ?” I responded , “ Pretty good .” ( I have not received a ticket in more than ten years ). He returned to his squad car . When he came back , he handed my license to me , and said , “ Please watch your speed .” No ticket ! Am I to conclude from this that the speed limit laws
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