Fr Kevin Alban concludes his reflection on Mercy in this the fourth part. The first part was published on Tuesday, the second part on Wednesday, and the third part on Thursday.
MISERICORDIA ET MISERA is a phrase used by Saint Augustine in recounting the story of Jesus’ meeting with the woman taken in adultery (cf. John 8:1-11). It would be difficult to imagine a more beautiful or apt way of expressing the mystery of God’s love when it touches the sinner: “The two of them alone remained: mercy with misery”. Pope Francis, 20 November 2016
God the Father of Mercies has sent the Spirit into the world for the forgiveness of sins and to reconcile all things to Himself. The reconciliation brought about by the sending of the Spirit happens in every age. It is a continual process of pouring out the power of the Spirit on humanity through the ministry of the Church. The Eucharistic sacrifice is the source and summit of the Church’s life and the principal means by which God’s love and mercy continue to be offered to humanity.
You have poured on Your people the Spirit of Truth.
Let us pray..
“O Lord, I want to be completely transformed into Your mercy and to be Your living reflection. May the greatest of all divine attributes, that of Your unfathomable mercy, pass through my heart and soul to my neighbour.
Help me, O Lord, that my eyes may be merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge from appearances, but look for what is beautiful in my neighbours’ souls and come to their rescue.
Help me, O Lord, that my ears may be merciful, so that I may give heed to my neighbours’ needs and not be indifferent to their pains and moans.
Help me, O Lord, that my tongue may be merciful, so that I should never speak negatively of my neighbour, but have a word of comfort and forgiveness for all.
Help me, O Lord, that my hands may be merciful and filled with good deeds, so that I may do only good to my neighbours and take upon myself the most difficult and toilsome tasks.
Help me, O Lord, that my feet may be merciful, so that I may hurry to assist my neighbour, overcoming my own fatigue and weariness (…)
Help me, O Lord, that my heart may be merciful so that I myself may feel all the sufferings of my neighbour. (…)
May Your mercy, O Lord, rest upon me”.
(Diary of Saint Faustina)
SAINT JUDE, PRAY FOR US.
