MERCY SUNDAY
The receiving and giving love and mercy
We love always to our fullest capacity. Though at first, it may be hesitant and fearful, to open up to love takes courage. We also love out of need and of course instinct. However, as we mature and our ability to have an open heart develops, we can slowly learn to love others for themselves alone; as rare as that may be.
This week in the Catholic liturgy we celebrate ‘Mercy Sunday’. A feast that focuses on the depth of God’s love for us, and the healing aspect of his mercy that is open to everyone who seeks it in their lives. Love is a form of ‘seeing’, mercy is its fruit. Infinite love and mercy see us all to our very depths, and in that seeing seeks only to heal and lift us up. Mercy is the way in which God shows love.out mercy is controlling and in the end self-serving.
Sister Faustina’s diary shows us to what depths God’s mercy is manifested towards all of mankind. Below is a quote from two different parts of her diary and one from the Prophet Isaiah.
“Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet…The greatest sinners would achieve great sanctity, if only they would trust in My mercy. The very inner depths of My being are filled to overflowing with mercy, and it is being poured out upon all I have created. (Diary, 699, 1784)
“Though your sins are as scarlet, they may become white as snow; though they are crimson red, they may become white as wool”. (Isaiah 1:18)
Also in this devotion we are called upon to pray for all of mankind, for mercy upon all, it is part of the vocation of being a Christian, to develop deep love and trust in Christ Jesus, and to pray for the highest good for others…..which I believe is the receiving of mercy-Br.MD
