Pope Francis calls us to observe a Year of Mercy throughout
2016. I have some thoughts about this and I am wondering what you, the reader,
might have in mind also as a response to that call.
When our RCIA group reflected on the Feast of Christ the
King last November, some of the thoughts which were expressed are that the
kingdom is both on earth and in heaven. We’d like to think that the kingdom is
brought about by the mercy and kindness of those who have made the choice to
follow Jesus as our King and that we are joined by all others who, without even
knowing Jesus, nevertheless extend hospitality and compassion to others. At
that time we challenged ourselves to be more intentional in practicing random
acts of kindness. |
| The Corporal Works of Mercy by Ade Bethune |
The Catholic Church has given a name and structure to acts
of kindness: the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy. What a gift it is to be
reminded this year to review this list both as a self affirmation of the good
deeds that we already practice in our lives, and an invitation to remember the
Works of Mercy which may stir up for us possibilities for ways in which we can share
God’s grace with others.
When you perform an act of mercy, like visiting the sick,
you encounter Christ in that person and s/he encounters you. This is a
marvelous gift in itself. And in addition to that, there can be a ripple effect
that kindness begets kindness, not just between the two, but with those who
witness the action.
Now I am planning to revisit the Works of Mercy more
seriously, or at least more consciously, this year than I have in the recent
past. The last time that I deliberately took them seriously I heard “visit the
imprisoned”. And I can tell you that following that call has enriched my life
tremendously.
Who knows what will happen this time to me? To you? Will you?
Sr. Dorothy Schuette, OSB
