Father Ronald Rolheiser, a member of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and spiritual writer, reflected on Apr. 16 about the challenges and responsibilities of sharing God’s mercy in ministry. He recounted a conversation with an elderly priest who regretted being too strict with dispensing God’s forgiveness during his career, saying, “If I had my priesthood to do over again, I would be easier on people the next time. I wouldn’t be so stingy with God’s mercy, with the sacraments, with forgiveness.”
Rolheiser described how traditional advice often emphasizes upholding truth above all else. He recalled being warned as a young seminarian: “Be careful,” he said, “never let your feelings get in the way. Don’t be soft, that’s wrong. Remember, hard as it is, the truth sets people free!” However, after decades in ministry himself, Rolheiser now believes more emphasis should be placed on risking God’s mercy.
He wrote that concerns for justice and proper practice are important but sometimes stem from fear or legalism rather than true compassion. “But sometimes our motives are less noble and our hesitancy arises more out of timidity, fear, legalism… Thus no cheap grace is dispensed on our watch!” he said.
Rolheiser argued that Jesus’ teachings show divine mercy is unconditional and universal: “God’s mercy… embraces indiscriminately,” he said. He cautioned against acting as gatekeepers to God’s love or forgiveness: “We must not dispense God’s mercy as if it were ours to dispense; dole out God’s forgiveness as if it were a limited commodity; put conditions on God’s love as if God needs to be protected; or cut off access to God as if we were the keepers of the heavenly gates.”
He concluded by urging ministers and believers not to limit divine compassion based on personal fears or traditions but instead invite everyone—regardless of background—to experience what he called “the unlimited waters of divine mercy.”
