Christ Our Light Catholic Church - Loudonville, NY

From DeaconDick

The Path to Healing - Paved with Mercy

Scripture as a Beacon of Mercy

            In last week’s bulletin (November 28), we reflected on the outpouring of God’s mercy in the person of Jesus and how we become God’s mercy by living the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.  It is a faith-filled way to prepare to celebrate the Word Made Flesh at Christmas.

            It has been said that mercy is God’s loving care for all creatures… especially humans … a care that invites us, in turn, to empathize and alleviate the misery of others.  As the divinely revealed Word of the Lord. Scripture helps us deeply reflect on God’s loving care that reconciles and heals in ways beyond human imagination.  Just consider:

• Hebrew Scriptures – Key Words of God’s Covenant
  • Hesed - Goodness … faithful kindness
  • Rahamin - Womb – visceral sympathy or compassion as a mother for her child;
  • Hen - Grace – God’s favor bestowed independently of one’s merits.

• New Testament – Threads of God’s Mercy
  • Magnificat (Lk 1:50)
    • “He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.”
  • Canticle of Zechariah (Lk 1:78)
    • “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us.”
  • Jesus at table with a Tax Collector (Mt 9:13)
    • “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”
  • Bartimaeus the Blind Man (Mk 10:47)
    • “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me.”

        So, our Advent “homework” this week is to take a journey with Matthew, Mark, and Luke in your Bible … pray the stories surrounding these passages …simply be open to how Jesus speaks to you and with you within your own circumstances. Then be attentive to how the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy come alive in your life.  And let the church say … AMEN!