Pope John Paul I

People sometimes say, “We are living in a completely corrupt, completely dishonest society.” This is not true. There are still so many good people, so many honest people. Rather, what should we do to improve society? I would say, each one of us must try himself to be good and to infect others with goodness that is permeated through and though by the gentleness and love taught by Christ. Christ’s Golden Rule was, “Do not do to others what you do not want done to you. Do to others what you want done to you.” (Mt 7:12, Lk 6:31). “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart.” (Mt 11:29). And He was always giving. When He was placed on the cross, not only did He pardon those who crucified Him, but He made excuses for them. He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Lk 23:34). This is Christianity, these are the sentiments that, if put into practice, would so greatly help society.

September 24th, 1978