A few years ago, Pope Francis called for a special extra-ordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. At the beginning of his pontificate, he wanted to show everyone that the Church should have a merciful face. In other words, it should always be seen as a place of refuge, not judgement.
Every year, as we prepare for Easter, we are encouraged to encounter the merciful face of Jesus. In today's gospel passage, we hear the words that He spoke to his disciples: Be merciful just as your Father is merciful (Lk 6:36). It takes work to practice mercy.
The world around us temps us to respond to judgement with judgement, to condemn those who utter words of condemnation, but Jesus challenges us to forgive and to respond to hatred with a giving heart. Responding with mercy can be surprising, especially for those who are in need of mercy. Let's try to be merciful today, like our heavenly Father ... and watch the reactions of others.
Have a great day.
No comments:
Post a Comment