Year of Mercy Reflection

Friday, Jun. 03, 2016

I collect rocks.

I collect rocks from places that I have visited as a remembrance of time spent there. There is a beautiful red rock on my desk that says “Cursillo 2014, Kanab, UT.” It reminds me of the place where I found God’s mercy. 

 Just days before the three-day Cursillo retreat, I had been going through a particularly difficult time. I made mistakes and was suffering the consequences of those sins. I felt sad, unworthy, shamed and rejected. I felt like trash, and knew that I needed to get away to reflect on my life.

 As the retreat began, I was welcomed by godly women who exuded the love of Jesus. The wounded me was welcomed and loved immediately. On Day One I shared my shortcomings and was quickly reminded that I am a child of God and He loves me, shortcomings and all. We are all human and flawed but Jesus will always love us. 

That evening I went to Confession and received absolution. I was forgiven. The loving mercy of God wrapped me in forgiveness that night and the healing began. Each day forward the love, mercy and grace of the living God healed my consciousness. The weekend progressed with Mass, prayers, adoration, singing, and faith sharing, and I learned the tools and strategies for keeping Jesus as the focus of my life. I was offered a different perspective, a chance to re-direct my life. I didn’t want to leave; I wanted to stay wrapped in that cocoon of love and mercy.  

Today my life is different; my relationship with Christ is stronger and deeper than it’s ever been. During this Year of Mercy, I encourage all to make Jesus the focus of your life. 

Mary Jane DuPont

Kanab

Editor’s note: For information about Cursillo, visit http://utahcatholiccursillo.org/.