Year of Mercy Reflection

Friday, Nov. 11, 2016

We all have a story to tell about how we experience and respond to God’s mercy in our everyday lives. I grew up in a sacred dwelling with both parents. A crucifix and a small font of holy water was housed in each bedroom. We prayed the rosary together, prayed before meals, attended Mass every Sunday, did Stations of the Cross during Lent, and participated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation on a regular basis.

But it was my father’s devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary that opened my eyes to how one responds to God’s mercy in our lives. My father asked for God’s mercy and protection when he was a soldier in World War II. When he let Mary into his life, she drew him into a very deep, intimate, and personal relationship with Jesus. I realized at the darkest times of life, God always carried him in his loving arms. In his despair and sorrow, God gave him hope, love and care. God showed his mercy through people around him. There wasn’t a day that passed by that he didn’t either attend Mass or end his day with a visit to our church and thank God for his love and mercy.

My dear father didn’t explain all of this to me, but I witnessed it throughout my short time with him. At this time in my life, I realize that trying to lead a life of mercy begins a habit and forms me to recognize a song of praise and thanksgiving to my father for his great example, and the opportunity for and experience of the grace that it brings. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, my hope is that they see in me that same model I saw in my father.

Marcie Downs

President, Diocesan Council of Catholic Women