Through Lent with Pope Francis
As we can see in Sacred Scripture, mercy is a key word that indicates God’s action towards us. He does not limit himself merely to affirming his love, but makes it visible and tangible. Love, after all, can never be just an abstraction. By its very nature, it indicates something concrete: intentions, attitudes, and behaviours that are shown in daily living. The mercy of God is his loving concern for each one of us. He feels responsible; that is, he desires our wellbeing and he wants to see us happy, full of joy, and peaceful. This is the path which the merciful love of Christians must also travel. As the Father loves, so do his children. Just as he is merciful, so we are called to be merciful to each other.
Misericordiae Vultus
Scripture
Jesus looks with compassion on the widow
Luke 7:11-15 NCB
Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, accompanied by his disciples and a large crowd. As he drew near to the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his widowed mother. A large group of people from the town accompanied her. When the Lord saw her, he was filled with compassion, and he said to her, “Do not weep.” After this, he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers halted. Then he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.
Thought for Today
When did you last look on someone and found yourself feeling great compassion – who was this?
Why not spend a little time today in prayer for those you feel most compassionate towards?
Music
Love Divine, All loves Excelling – Charles Wesley