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Mercy: Not An Optional Extra
Sunday, September 20, 2015 11:47
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Mercy: Not An Optional Extra
The meaning of mercy:
“Compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.”
At the moment I am reading Pope Francis’s book, “The Church of Mercy” It is a good read, insightful, practical, and spiritual. It gives a deeper context for understanding the emphasis placed upon mercy in the pontificate of Pope Francis, and in the Church from the very beginning too.
Pope Francis: proclaims at the very beginning of the book;
“What a beautiful truth of faith this is for our lives: the mercy of God! God’s love for us is so great, so deep; it is an unfailing love, one which always takes us by the hand and supports us, lifts us up and leads us on.”
Another line from the book said;
“But I am telling you: I would prefer a thousand times over a bruised Church to an ill Church!”
This idea of a bruised Church is one that sees mercy as a healing balm, a soothing grace from God’s goodness. A mercy that extends to all through Christ, and his people too, who are striving to be his body for the world.
Mercy is very much the theme radiating into the consciousness of the Church at present. The truth is that mercy has always been a central component part of Christian faith since Christ. As we read in the sacred scriptures, Christ forgave sinners, for example refusing to cast the stone at the woman caught in adultery. Jesus said… pray for your enemies; forgive 77 times; and also from the cross Jesus asked the Father to “forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” It was within Christ’s power to punish offences, but he chose to forgive, and he sets in motion the responsibility for the Church to do the same. Therefore mercy is not an optional extra, but an important part of faith in action.
The image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus has always been the great symbol of mercy and sets mercy as gazing upon Christ, and delighting in his presence, receiving from Christ’s heart the healing gift of mercy.
Source: http://humblepiety.blogspot.com/2015/09/mercy-not-optional-extra.html
