Dear Friends,

One of my favorite hymns in the Lenten season speaks of ways in which we can show mercy. “In these days of Lenten journey we have seen and we have heard the call to sow justice in the lives of those we serve. We reach out to those who are hopeless, hungry, weary… we will show compassion and clothe them in mercy and peace.” In taking these lyrics into prayer, I found myself considering: Where does God want me to live mercy? I found my mind moving towards the usual ways—serving in the soup kitchens, visiting the sick, stocking the food pantry in my parish, etc. I could exercise the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, and that would be beautiful. All these things are fairly easy to access and easy to do for people I do not know. But the Holy Spirit had a different idea.

My mind went to the sacrifice of Jesus. He died so that my sins could be forgiven, and perhaps He was inviting me to show mercy by forgiving from my heart every person I have encountered that brought suffering or sadness to my heart, and every person I will encounter daily. I left that prayer with a new Lenten resolution—to live mercy through intentional forgiveness. To examine my hearteach day and root out any grudges I may be holding, and forgiveness I have been withholding, laying it at the foot of the cross and leaving it there. Jesus died for the sins of all mankind, even those who deny his sacrifice. My forgiveness is not contingent on whether the person in mind “deserves” my forgiveness or not. It is freely given out of love for God. When Jesus offered his life, it was personal. He saw every person who ever lived or will live and willingly suffered for theforgiveness of their sins.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16).

Yours in the Heart of Jesus,

Donna