Pope Francis called on Catholics around the world to use the ongoing Jubilee Year of Mercy to “open wide” the doors of their hearts, to love, to forgive and to share unbounded generosity! In his Announcement of the Year of Mercy, the pope emphasized that we are called as individuals and as a Church “to be a witness of mercy”. So, the next obvious question is… what does “a witness of mercy” look like? We can simply look toward the Church’s teaching on the Spiritual and Corporal works of mercy as our guide:
The Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy
The Seven Corporal Works of Mercy
There is a great need for mercy and healing in our world, our church, our community and in our daily lives. Reflecting on the spiritual and corporal works of mercy is a great beginning. However, each of us needs to move beyond reflection and into ACTION! “The holy year won’t be very effective if the doors of our heart do not let Christ enter, who pushes us to go towards others, to bring him and his love,” said the Pope.
So, I am challenging each of you today to truly open the doors of your heart to Jesus. Pray that His love and mercy for you – inspires you to be loving and merciful toward others. Pray that you no only recognize the opportunities for you to be merciful, but also that you recognize the gifts of mercy you are receiving along the way.
In Christ,
Father Steve