March 2008: Mercy = Forgiveness
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Mercy. Compassion. Forgiveness. When have you received, witnessed or shown mercy? Often we cringe at the idea of receiving or giving mercy, associating it with weakness or a ‘holier than thou’ type of attitude. Sometimes we don’t want to show mercy, clinging to the idea that I am right and they are wrong so why should I forgive? It becomes a power struggle. Mercy recognizes that none of us are perfect and never will be. We all make mistakes, and just as we crave forgiveness at times, we are called to forgive. Forgiveness of trespasses is an essential part of the Lord’s Prayer. Similarly, in his parables Jesus teaches how God gives mercy freely and generously – whether we deserve it or not.
Click here to listen to Archbishop Collins’ reflection on this beatitude.
Challenge - want more challenges? click here
Sowing seeds. This month, sow seeds of mercy. If you wish, whenever you have experienced or shown mercy, plant a seed and watch it grow.
Reflection
At the end of this month we will rejoice in Jesus’ resurrection. The promise of new life excites us, from the flowers of spring to a baby’s birth. But the road to new life is not easy; consider a plant that has to struggle to reach the earth’s surface. Take some time to journal this month, thinking of your own struggles in relation to mercy. Has new life emerged where mercy was sown? Was it what you expected? How fragile is new life? What is necessary for it to thrive? If you wish to pray with scripture, consider: Mt. 18:21-35; Mt. 13:1-9, 18-23; Jn 12:20-26. |
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