Year of Mercy Reflection
Friday, Apr. 01, 2016
In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, contemplating how our sins have contributed to Christ’s redemptive suffering could become troubling to us.
If tempted to despair over our sinfulness, whether for past sins or current sinful tendencies, we can turn to Scripture for solace and motivation. For example, the seven “Penitential Psalms” are a haven. They direct us to repentance (Psalms 6, 38, 51 [the Miserere], 102, 130 and 143) and to the promise of mercy that God wishes to pour out upon us (Psalm 32). Listen to their inspiration.
The New Testament is also rich with the message of God’s mercy. Jesus gained our redemption and God offers us the means of salvation through the Church administering his mercy.
Consider how intense and personal God’s love for us really is. That “love beyond all measure” is poised to flood us with mercy, regardless of our past failures, if only we’ll cooperate in God’s plan.
Mercy and forgiveness await us in the sacrament of spiritual renewal known variously as Confession, Penance and, best of all, Reconciliation with God. Remember, we are all prodigal, and mercy is there for us in the confessional, not only to “patch us up” but to restore our baptismal dignity. So, let’s take advantage of that beautiful sacrament.
We can also pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy often, for ourselves and for all, and pray the chaplet in community on Mercy Sunday (April 3) at special observances around the diocese.
Let’s tear down any walls of separation we may have constructed through sin and let God’s mercy flow over us, so that we can in turn show mercy to those around us, drawing guidance from the wealth and wisdom of the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.
Deacon Mark Solak
St. Thomas More Parish
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