Year of Mercy Reflection

Friday, Sep. 16, 2016

What does mercy feel like? This question was asked in a talk about Christ’s Divine Mercy posted on YouTube. 

And what was the answer given by the Marian priest? Peace. Complete, encompassing peace.  

It makes sense, doesn’t it? When Jesus appeared to St. Faustina and asked for the image of Divine Mercy to be painted, he instructed her to have the words, “Jesus, I Trust in You” written at the bottom.  

If we are really able to place all of our trust in Christ, peace is what we feel.  

When I contemplate this kind of mercy, I come closer to understanding it when I think of my three small children. I want them always to feel enveloped by my love, secure of their place in our family, and full of joy. 

As moms and dads we offer scores of mercies: forgiving, forgiving, and forgiving again. This does not mean that we dismiss transgressions. No. “Admonishing the sinner” is one of the Spiritual Works of Mercy, after all. This practice helps protect us from rationalizing sin, a habit that leads us dangerously away from God’s grace. But after appropriate discipline comes the merciful hugs, reminding my boys that no matter their offenses, they are always deeply loved.

It is easy to see God’s mercy like that, if we realize that we are his beloved children, if we know he stands ready to embrace us with a love that brings absolute peace. 

The challenge I find is to treat all whom I come across with this same kind of mercy, with this same kind of love. I pray, dear God, that I can see your face in everyone I meet. I pray that I can see your loving mercy reflected back to me as I offer it to others.