Mercy, mercy, mercy. We all need mercy and to be merciful to others, but if you look at the front page of the newspaper (or news website), it seems there is little mercy to be found these days. Riots, terror threats, lawsuits, political scandals... where is the mercy we should all be practicing?
The news can be quite discouraging to the average individual. You know you can't change the world so you mentally check out and remain wrapped up in your own world. But the truth is you can change the world, or at least get the ball rolling through the example you set by your own thoughts, words and actions. Pope Francis is way ahead of us on this one with his recent announcement that we will begin a Jubilee Year of Mercy starting December 8 of this year, which is also the feast of the Immaculate Conception. It will close on Nov. 20, 2016, the day celebrated that year as the feast of Christ the King.
As everyday Catholics, we have the power to affect a change in society toward mercy, simply through the example we give of treating our loved ones, the people we live with every day, with mercy. Spouses play a pivotal role in this because not only does being merciful effect the quality of their relationship, but it effects their children in a way no other example does. When a child sees his parents working through arguments or difficulties with mercy toward each other, it strengthens the child-parent bond of trust and confidence. It also helps them to understand the mercy they receive from their heavenly Father when they make their own mistakes and helps them see the sacrament of confession as something to love, not something to loathe.
For those who are not yet married, you can also be the light of mercy in a cold, dark world. I've mentioned before that being single is a special time in your life and you can make an incredible difference for other people who live chaotic and angry existences. Here are some suggestions for showing mercy on a regular basis:
1. Do something nice for someone you are at odds with at work.
I knew a school administrator once who constantly butted heads with a teacher over policies and procedures, to the point that encountering that teacher was always a difficult and unpleasant experience. One day in the break room, she saw the teacher eating lunch. Instead of skulking away to avoid her, she made her a cup of coffee, just the way she liked it, and brought it over to her. She sat down, and began a friendly conversation. That actually opened the door to a flourishing friendship. Is there anyone you know at work that could use similar treatment?
2. Reflect on your personal relationships.
Take some time to reflect on your relationships with your parents, children, relatives, and especially people you've dated or been in a relationship with. Is there some hurt that needs to be tended to? For example, is there a conversation that really needs to happen but you are avoiding it because you "just don't want to go there?" Maybe now is a good time to find an opportunity to sit down, talk about it and resolve it once and for all?
3. Be willing to forgive quickly, and willing to ask for forgiveness.
There are so many problems in our world that would be automatically solved and society improved if people were just willing to forgive and ask for forgiveness when necessary. Why not be quick to forgive when someone hurts or offends you? When someone rudely cuts you off on the road? Don't retaliate, slow down and give them room. When a friend betrays your trust? Talk about it and be merciful with them, remembering that forgiving someone doesn't mean they're off the hook and scot-free of any responsibility for what happened. We all will stand in judgement one day and have to make an account. Forgiveness means you have paved the way for them to change and for you, yourself, to grow in love.
Pope Francis announced this Year of Mercy by noting:
I am convinced that the whole church—that has much need to receive mercy because we are sinners—will find in this jubilee the joy to rediscover and render fruitful the mercy of God, with which we are all called to give consolation to every man and woman of our time.
I invite you to pick up a copy of the new book, A Year Of Mercy With Pope Francis: Daily Reflections and begin preparing for this special year of great graces for yourself and the world.
Got questions? Email me at [email protected].
