The Roots of Mercy

     Today, we celebrate the solemnity of the Divine Mercy. It is a solemnity in the Catholic Church popularized by the visions of a Polish Nun, Sr. Faustina Kowalska. Jesus Christ instructed Sr. Faustina to start the devotion to the Divine Mercy and was promised that anyone who goes to sacramental confession on or few days before the Divine Mercy Sunday and receives the Eucharist on that day shall receive expiation of all sins and punishments.
     While the designation of every second Sunday of Easter by Saint John Paul II on April 30, 2000, as the Divine Mercy Sunday has a recent origin, the mystery of the Divine Mercy has been taught by the Church for centuries. God is the Divine Mercy. He is the All-merciful God. Pope John II defined Divine Mercy as ‘Love beyond Justice.’ That was what Christ showed on the cross. He knew the justice of our case. Yet, he chose to have mercy on us and take upon himself the punishment due to us for our sins. 
     Today, I invite you to reflect on what I call the three roots of mercy. These are self-healing and forgiveness, Christian familyhood, and truth. Without these, sometimes, it is difficult to show mercy. In the first case, a lot of people find it difficult to show mercy to themselves. Some have made mistakes in the past and find it difficult to forgive themselves. Some were deeply hurt and carried over hurts they allowed to fester. Some grew in families that never forgave and this left indelible imprints on their lives. Today is a day to introspect to know whether you might need to seek help for self-healing through counseling, spiritual direction, and confessions. 
     Secondly, the first reading narrated the life of the early Christian community post-resurrection. One striking thing about their life was that the basis of their relationship was God and not earthly social definitions. It may be difficult to forgive a husband or wife if you think of them as just a husband or wife. When you think of that person as a fellow child of God in one family of God, everything changes. We need to redefine our relationships with people in our workplaces, schools, church, and then, forgiveness becomes easier. 
     Finally, mercy flows from truth. Without truth, charity never lasts and never heals. It is truth that leads you to ask forgiveness where you have hurt others. It is truth that leads you to the confessional. 
     As we celebrate this Solemnity, let us ask God to give us the grace to give ourselves and others second chances. God bless you.