Friday, June 3, 2106

The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

(Ezekiel 34:11-16; Romans 5:5b-11; Luke 15:3-7)

In this Jubilee Year of Mercy today’s feast takes on special prominence.  The Sacred Heart of Jesus has universally symbolized God’s mercy.  It is found on the famous portrait of Divine Mercy that was envisioned by Saint Faustina.  In another popular artistic representation the Sacred Heart is burning with love for whoever comes to the Lord.

In the second reading St. Paul expresses the principal sense of God’s mercy.  He says that God shows his love by dying on behalf of sinners.  This action has justified humans so that they no longer need to hang their heads in guilt.  But Paul does not limit his vision of mercy to justification.  He sees the grace of Christ working within the saved to produce merciful acts that merit salvation.  It is as if men and women were once like unruly teens that went through basic Marine Corps training and rendered not only capable of defending their country but also of modeling proper respect for all.

We thank God for the many ways that He has shown us His mercy.  He has given us powerful images that remind us of His love.  He has given us the Scriptures in which we encounter Christ, our Savior.  Most of all, He has imparted to us His Holy Spirit so that we might love others with similar self-sacrifice.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent

(Isaiah 40:25-31; Matthew 11:28-30)

Yesterday the Church began the Year of Mercy.  Pope Francis called for it so that Catholics might contemplate this quintessential attribute of God.  He stated in his official pronouncement that they are also to practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.  These will alleviate the misery which so many poor and persecuted people feel.

Francis points to Jesus as the fullest expression of God’s mercy.  He comes to forgive our sins and lead us in a new way of righteousness.  In today’s gospel Jesus tells the crowds that their worries are unnecessary. No doubt they like all humans concern themselves with possessions and power and prestige.  They can leave these aside to take upon themselves his burden of seeking the welfare of others.  This pursuit will bring them peace.

We are wise to follow the order that Francis gives in his pronouncement of mercy.  First, we should consider the many ways that God has been merciful to us.  Perhaps we had parents who made considerable sacrifice so that we might go to college.  Or maybe we recovered from a serious illness. Then, responding to God in gratitude, we are to assist others who have great needs today.