Misericordia
This year, starting on December 8, 2015, Pope Francis has proclaimed to be an
Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. Feel free to look up the details on
Jubilee Years (every 25) and Extraordinary Jubilee Years (called by the Pope
from time to time); I want to talk a bit about mercy.
Mercy is one of those virtues that tends to be overlooked. It’s often seen as being more “weak” than many of its parallels. Often, when we speak of mercy, it’s in the context of a lenient judgement. (Followed by a curse for the defense attorney.) But the requirement for mercy is specific; the Catholic tradition has 14 distinct acts that are identified as “merciful” – 7 corporal (or physical) and 7 spiritual. Many religions also make reference to acts of mercy (fairly specifically: caring for the sick, feeding the hungry, almsgiving, burying the dead, visiting prisoners, clothing the naked and sheltering the homeless.) Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently.
What’s the impact of mercy? Well, it creates a kinder, gentler, more considerate world. Remember that showing kindness and mercy creates a ripple effect. Consider, too, that mercy must be recycled – when you receive it, pass it on. The popular expression “pay it forward” shows a form of mercy, and sums up our individual responsibility.
Note that the list of works of mercy includes forgiveness (a popular topic with me); feeding the hungry (another popular topic) and comforting. It is a great and good thing to encourage acts of charity and consideration in our daily lives. We do not all share the same method of showing mercy. It isn’t necessary to spend all of your free time volunteering in a homeless shelter (admirable, but not necessary.) It’s also somewhat contradictory if you work to help neighbours and ignore the needs at home.
Can you show mercy to yourself and your family? I know far too many cases where we are most harsh on the ones we love, or we ignore the needs of those who depend on us. Isn’t it ironic that we’re often kinder to strangers than to our own families? That we’re more likely to compliment others and overlook our own good qualities?
During this year of mercy, let us consider how to become more merciful and how to incorporate acts of mercy into our daily lives.
Mercy is one of those virtues that tends to be overlooked. It’s often seen as being more “weak” than many of its parallels. Often, when we speak of mercy, it’s in the context of a lenient judgement. (Followed by a curse for the defense attorney.) But the requirement for mercy is specific; the Catholic tradition has 14 distinct acts that are identified as “merciful” – 7 corporal (or physical) and 7 spiritual. Many religions also make reference to acts of mercy (fairly specifically: caring for the sick, feeding the hungry, almsgiving, burying the dead, visiting prisoners, clothing the naked and sheltering the homeless.) Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently.
What’s the impact of mercy? Well, it creates a kinder, gentler, more considerate world. Remember that showing kindness and mercy creates a ripple effect. Consider, too, that mercy must be recycled – when you receive it, pass it on. The popular expression “pay it forward” shows a form of mercy, and sums up our individual responsibility.
Note that the list of works of mercy includes forgiveness (a popular topic with me); feeding the hungry (another popular topic) and comforting. It is a great and good thing to encourage acts of charity and consideration in our daily lives. We do not all share the same method of showing mercy. It isn’t necessary to spend all of your free time volunteering in a homeless shelter (admirable, but not necessary.) It’s also somewhat contradictory if you work to help neighbours and ignore the needs at home.
Can you show mercy to yourself and your family? I know far too many cases where we are most harsh on the ones we love, or we ignore the needs of those who depend on us. Isn’t it ironic that we’re often kinder to strangers than to our own families? That we’re more likely to compliment others and overlook our own good qualities?
During this year of mercy, let us consider how to become more merciful and how to incorporate acts of mercy into our daily lives.
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