Readings

Acts 4:32-35
Ps 118
1 John 5:1-6
John 20:19-31

Reflection

I hadn’t yet joined the church, but I was attending mass daily and had already planned on beginning my RCIA classes in the fall when white smoke rose in Rome, announcing a new pope: Francis I. Our church was decorated with wreaths and gold bows and ribbons. In front, between the two sets of double doors was a large floor vase, an antique burnished pewter color with dozens of forsythia branches, celebrating this momentous occasion.

The more we learned of Pope Francis, the more excited I became. To say that I was thrilled to be joining the church during his Pontificate would be an understatement. I could feel the change coming. To be fair, I was mostly in the dark to the ways of old, but I felt aq palpable excitement of what was to come; of newness.

Pope Francis is full of mercy and about a year after I joined the church, he declared an Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. I was fortunate to walk through a holy door  our church was one worldwide to have a holy door and our parish began works for a parish mission and a morning of service to declare and participate in the works of mercy.

Mercy is one of those things, like forgiveness and gratitude, that the more you give, the more you get.

Divine Mercy Sunday is one day on the calendar, but mercy is something that can be offered on any day throughout the year. Simply listen to others, offer comfort, advice when asked, silent support when not. Judge not and let your mind listen as your heart leads the way with mercy.

Journal Prompt

Mercy

Prayer