Mercy!

Today’s reading from Sirach (17:20-24) tells us we must return to God for mercy and forgiveness.  Oh oh, what if we have wandered away from God, and we don’t want to return because we’re angry at God due to misfortune in our lives, such as sickness, loneliness, or loss of a loved one?  Will there be any mercy and forgiveness?  Sirach suggests no mercy.  Not good. 

But wait, God is within us through the Holy Spirit so it’s not a question of returning to God.  God is always with us and in us.  Perhaps the divine within us says when we sin: “Tsk, tsk.  Do better; behave better; remember to recognize God (me) within and act accordingly, you doofus.”

This talk about mercy should remind us that Pope Francis back on March 13 announced an “extraordinary holy year, a Jubilee of Mercy” that will extend from December 8, 2015 through November 20, 2016.  Later this year he will open the 30th jubilee in the history of the church on the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council and just over a month after the closing of the October gathering of the Synod of Bishops on the Family.

According to the March 30 issue of America magazine: “A jubilee year is a great religious event that originated in Judaism and was linked to universal pardons and reconciliation.  As the Book of Leviticus tells us (25:8-13), it was celebrated every 50 years; slave and prisoners were freed, debts were forgiven and God’s mercy was made more manifest…Francis has been called the pope of mercy ever since his election on March 13, 2013.  He has frequently proclaimed to the world the God of mercy, who wants to save people, not to condemn them…” 

So, we await the jubilee!  We suspect this will be a tough year for most people because granting mercy can be as difficult as melting ice in a freezer.  It’s going to take some heat – a lot of heat.    That’s where the Holy Spirit comes in. 

Often portrayed as a flame, the Spirit within us all will help melt our frozen hearts making us even more receptive towards whatever the Synod on the Family proclaims.  We hope the Synod offers mercy to hurting families and heals their open wounds as urged by our merciful pope.  

Deacon David Pierce