Mercy is... for everyone

I love this narration on Mercy is/The Lord is kind and merciful... ! It is a very simple sentence, yet says really what our Lord's message of mercy is all about. This is why I had my youngest narrate this one sentence - it really takes a "childlike" attitude to really embrace these words. Throughout the years it is so interesting how the more we understand hurt, and opinion, and passion of our own ideas; the less open we are to sharing those ideas, or perhaps opening the door a glimpse for dialogue to happen.

This is a week of prayer for Christian unity. It's interesting living in the south, because I don't necessarily find it difficult to talk about faith here. In fact practically everywhere I go, from the grocery or post office, to a Dr.'s office; you can wish someone a "blessed day", and they don't look crazy at you. In fact, it is not unlikely to be approached with some kind of smile, or reference to our Lord and Savior, as I am walking to my car with the man at Publix. (They take your groceries and load them for you, no charge!)

However, the other side to that coin is the misconceptions that can arise from other denominations, and the other side to that dialogue...oh, your Catholic,...? Some think we are destined for hell if we not "really" baptized in their faith. I am happy to say though, that in most cases, this does not happen, and as Christian brothers and sisters of any denomination we share a true love for Christ, and His teachings; and I praise God for that.

Rather than get into an ecumenical debate however, my thoughts today have to do with sharing a simple prayer. When recording the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, I knew that it is a devotion, or meditative prayer, known largely in the Catholic faith. One that I have found much comfort in, many times over. I did not really think of it reaching interest beyond our faith.

Then one day while praying the chaplet, I realized how "ecumenical" it really is. It is a prayer uniting everyone on the same need of God's ocean of mercy. Of course this is the case! Just as the Creed is recited in many denominations, and the Our Father is universal as well, a prayer asking for mercy for "the whole world" is completely non-exclusive:

" for the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world."

Now, I have shared the CD with many christian friends, catholic and protestant alike, and many people of other denominations speak of the beauty of the Chaplet. In fact, one woman from our church purchased one to share with her brother, a minister of a protestant church. He shared with her how beautiful he felt it was, and was going to share it with his church I think at a prayer service.

So, I guess, we must look at our prayers sometimes with a childlike trust in God, and what He will do with those petitions. As adults, we may think with limitations, but God has no boundaries. Christian unity is possible, we just can't put "human" limits, or water it down so that there is no definition to it either. I do pray for Christian unity, that hearts will be opened up to an understanding of faiths, so that dialogue can happen, through the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Just my own thought on ecumenism. "Mercy is...for everyone."

got GRACE?

The other day, I had the word Grace in my thoughts. It followed me throughout my morning, and stayed with me as I was preparing for Mass. I kept thinking about how beautifully Mary was greeted in (Lk 1:28) Hail Mary, “Full of Grace”. Then, remembering the “fullness” of my humanity I thought, wow, if only…

I had my journal next to me and I wrote:

*filled with Grace

Then:

Love like you are*
Pray like you are*
Be humble as if you are*…

I understand all too well the difference between “Mary” the Mother of God, – of course she was filled with Grace – and myself; a forty something house mom of 3 from Georgia who gets overwhelmed by the simplest task. So why was I considering the thought that we could live, love, or even pray as though we are filled with Grace? In fact, the next words, “the Lord is with thee” sheds the light on that truth, reminding us that Mary, being human, is “full of grace” (because) “the Lord is with” her. She was chosen by God to carry His Son. Ok then, I am nowhere near being “full of grace”. So, where am I? ½ way full? 1/3? 1/8?

I’m obviously not talking of the Grace that we say before we eat our meals, or a little extra time to pay off my Visa, no I’m talking of that supernatural sanctifying grace which the Catechism of the Catholic Church describes as:

The free gift of God establishing the soul in the way of justification and
holiness. Its intimate nature is beyond mere human analysis, but judging by its
effects, we are justified in regarding it as a physical adornment of the soul,
permanent in its essence, incompatible with grievous sin, recreating the soul as
a new nature competent to act supernaturally and meritoriously. It is habitual
grace regarded under one aspect - the real interior sanctification which
enriches the soul and makes it permanently holy in the sight of God.

Then it dawned on me, Grace is bestowed on each and every one of us; it is a gift right? Here is where I openly admit to a very basic non-scholarly, theological understanding. Particularly when I am discussing something that is “beyond mere human analysis”. But, I imagine perhaps to fully receive and participate in that grace, we have to acknowledge its presence.

There are so many opportunities we have to experience that grace, the Sacraments for example. But, if we settle on a fraction of the “fullness” of grace that Mary was, then we might never see “full”. So, here is what I am thinking, I am nowhere near being “Immaculate” as Mary was, but can’t I continue to “fill up” when I fall? If the Sacraments are an outward sign of the God’s grace, and sanctifying grace is an interior sanctification that is making the soul holy in the sight of God, then I must also need to acknowledge that grace to some extent. I know it doesn’t stop – but do we? The precious blood of Christ continues to fall upon us – yet, if we do not take the time to go to mass, or receive the sacraments, or even spend time in prayer and acknowledge that indeed we need His grace to flow on us – will it? No doubt, it’s there, but don't we need to live in it?

As an example, if I am a vessel of some kind, empty, then I go to the source to add “life” to it – in this case Grace. If I choose to receive a bit and feel better knowing that I have received Grace – is that enough to “live” in that grace? How can I share that grace with others if there is “just enough”. I have caught myself thinking, “I really don’t want to continue asking for grace – “but, in truth there is an infinite amount to go around. So, today I have a thought that if I continue acknowledging, really “knowing”, that grace – then it will continue “filling up” in an ongoing basis – spilling over – flowing freely to others.

Lord, may I find the humility to acknowledge your Grace; that I might know and live in Your grace, and share it continually through love with others. Amen

Perfect Love

Mercy is...a perfect Love from our Lord, to an imperfect soul like me... I remember narrating these words, and how touched I am by them still, each time I hear them. Yes, we are all imperfect, and the perfect Love from the Lord is the puzzle piece that completes the beauty that is in each one of us.

There are times that this love is felt in prayer, or witnessed in the perfect Love between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; brought to us in the Holy sacrifice of the Mass, and then there are times that we are humbled by this perfect love, being expressed by grace, in places we might least expect it.

I had the honor last weekend of bringing Christmas Cards into our local Regional Youth Detention Facility. In the past we had sent cards and ornaments to the youth; but I had not yet had any direct contact with any of them. Arriving with Cards, cookies, mints, red tablecloth, and a mix of 3 hrs of Christmas music in tow - I arrived Saturday to share something I thought would be a kind thing to do, and I was so happy to do it.

What I witnessed were some of the kindest, well-mannered, attentive middle and high school youths that I had yet met. All of them greeting me with kindness, smiles, handshakes, and sincere thanks. I knew that it is entirely possible that the 96 youths now staying at the facility will likely not spend Christmas with their families, and wanted to perhaps bring an opportunity to share a bit of the Christmas preparations they might miss this year. Each card was Christ centered, with pictures of the holy family, doves, wise men etc. And, the youths spent time creating what appeared to be genuine "Love" notes to their families, with pictures, and well thought out messages.

Then, in one of the younger groups, there was a young man who was perplexed who to send one to. Clearly all situations are different, and he was not going to be able to send a card to "family". He wanted to know how he could get his card out. I explained he could write it to whomever he wished. "Well," he said, "I just want to get it to a kid..."; "Ok. ", I stated." Do you mean another youth here?". "No," he said, "like a homeless kid or something...,". With that statement, I saw it, a perfect Love from our Lord, coming with the help of His grace, through another soul like mine, imperfect, to reach another one of His loved children. It was very touching, and I now have sent a bundle of cards out in the mail to homes all over the region - and 1 card is waiting in my car to find a child, without a home, that says "Happy Christmas".

When you are preparing your homes this season, and baking, sending out year end gifts to charities, please remember our Youths, that maybe have not had the greatest start - but, are making every great effort, through the love and grace of those around them to turn their situations around. A very simple thing that everyone can do is this...as you need to perhaps clean out bookshelves and game closets; consider taking gently used games, puzzles, magazines, and books to your nearest Youth Detention Facility. The time spent on vacation from schoolwork is very precious for many of us, however turns idle and frustrating to these youth that really wish they were home for the holidays.

I wish you all the most beautiful advent season of preparation, a yearning for a renewed hope and love in the Lord, for His perfect Love.

The compassion of Jesus, at work in you and me...

If I take this line from the narration of Mercyis, "The compassion of Jesus..." and complete it with "at work in you and me..." I really have to pause, because I have fallen short of that amount of compassion more than once in my life.



Certainly, if I see a family tragically experiencing the loss of a parent, or even child, or see a person struggle with a disability, or even in this economy have faithful friends facing the loss of their home; there is no doubt I am flooded with compassion. I have sat beside friends dying in hospice, helping them out with whatever they need at any given moment because of the overwhelming love I feel for them, no doubt; "the compassion of Jesus at work"...



But, Jesus seemed to have compassion for anyone, in any given circumstance. I don't know that I can ever see Jesus give up on anyone because they, "brought it upon themselves". Of course, we have free will, but our Lord is always the one with compassion for us - no matter what we do. That can be a tall order, if I try to do that by myself. Those in the worst circumstance would be given the same compassion, as say our dearest friend - if it were "the compassion of Jesus at work in me".



For example, a humbling experience this week gave me a very clear picture of perhaps a less than desirable circumstance...and it brought me to the realization that I may deep down be a little selective at where and how my compassion is shared. Those that perhaps have found themselves in addictions or homeless with nowhere to go; yes of course have my compassion in thought - (pity perhaps?) - but, this is not the compassion of Jesus at work... Would Jesus not continue to give love over and over again, effortlessly...would he not hold the hand and cool the brow of the addict suffering withdrawals? There are so many suffering by themselves, that don't have the comfort of supportive family and friends...please join me in prayer for them and pray in Thanksgiving for all the homeless shelters and the caring people that run them; that truly show mercy in the compassion of our Lord, Jesus, at work in their ministry.

St. Pio of Pietrelcina- A suffering Servant

Today is the Memorial for St. Pio of Pietrelcina, canonized June of 2002, also known as Padre Pio. I want to share an e-mail about Padre Pio from a Saint of the Day subscription I receive from AmericanCatholic.org. There are so many things to learn from this remarkable Saint as described in the article.

I chose to add it to the Mercy is Blog because his acts of suffering were also in so many ways, acts of mercy. For many hours a day he offered the sacrament of reconciliation, bringing the healing mercy of forgiveness; seeing Christ's suffering in the sick and poor, he built a hospital at San Giovanni Rotondo, bringing comfort and healing to those in need. And, in suffering the stigmata, I believe perhaps he brought to people a stronger belief in their faith. To see the suffering of Christ in a very Holy person one would be reminded of how merciful God's love is to have His Son suffer for our sins, so that we might be saved.

Padre Pio also urged people to pray, his prayer groups are still going on today- and we have joined them by starting the Padre Pio Prayer Group of Dallas, GA. We meet at 6pm the first Wednesday of every month prior to Mass at 6:30pm. We pray for the intentions of the Holy Father, and the needs of the world. St. Pio - Pray for us...

American Catholic, Saint of the Day writes:

"In one of the largest such ceremonies in history, Pope John Paul II
canonized Padre Pio of Pietrelcina on June 16, 2002. It was the 45th
canonization ceremony in Pope John Paul's pontificate. More than 300,000 people
braved blistering heat as they filled St. Peter's Square and nearby streets.
They heard the Holy Father praise the new saint for his prayer and charity.
"This is the most concrete synthesis of Padre Pio's teaching," said the pope. He
also stressed Padre Pio's witness to the power of suffering. If accepted with
love, the Holy Father stressed, such suffering can lead to "a privileged path of
sanctity."Many people have turned to the Italian Capuchin Franciscan to
intercede with God on their behalf; among them was the future Pope John Paul II.
In 1962, when he was still an archbishop in Poland, he wrote to Padre Pio and
asked him to pray for a Polish woman with throat cancer. Within two weeks, she
had been cured of her life-threatening disease.

Born Francesco Forgione, Padre
Pio grew up in a family of farmers in southern Italy. Twice (1898-1903 and
1910-17) his father worked in Jamaica, New York, to provide the family income.At
the age of 15, Francesco joined the Capuchins and took the name of Pio. He was
ordained in 1910 and was drafted during World War I. After he was discovered to
have tuberculosis, he was discharged. In 1917 he was assigned to the friary in
San Giovanni Rotondo, 75 miles from the city of Bari on the Adriatic.On
September 20, 1918, as he was making his thanksgiving after Mass, Padre Pio had
a vision of Jesus. When the vision ended, he had the stigmata in his hands, feet
and side.Life became more complicated after that. Medical doctors, Church
authorities and curiosity seekers came to see Padre Pio. In 1924 and again in
1931, the authenticity of the stigmata was questioned; Padre Pio was not
permitted to celebrate Mass publicly or to hear confessions. He did not complain
of these decisions, which were soon reversed. However, he wrote no letters after
1924. His only other writing, a pamphlet on the agony of Jesus, was done before
1924.Padre Pio rarely left the friary after he received the stigmata, but
busloads of people soon began coming to see him. Each morning after a 5 a.m.
Mass in a crowded church, he heard confessions until noon. He took a mid-morning
break to bless the sick and all who came to see him. Every afternoon he also
heard confessions. In time his confessional ministry would take 10 hours a day;
penitents had to take a number so that the situation could be handled. Many of
them have said that Padre Pio knew details of their lives that they had never
mentioned.Padre Pio saw Jesus in all the sick and suffering. At his urging, a
fine hospital was built on nearby Mount Gargano. The idea arose in 1940; a
committee began to collect money. Ground was broken in 1946. Building the
hospital was a technical wonder because of the difficulty of getting water there
and of hauling up the building supplies. This "House for the Alleviation of
Suffering" has 350 beds.A number of people have reported cures they believe were
received through the intercession of Padre Pio. Those who assisted at his Masses
came away edified; several curiosity seekers were deeply moved. Like St. Francis, Padre Pio sometimes had his habit torn or cut by souvenir hunters.One
of Padre Pio’s sufferings was that unscrupulous people several times circulated
prophecies that they claimed originated from him. He never made prophecies about
world events and never gave an opinion on matters that he felt belonged to
Church authorities to decide.

He died on September 23, 1968, and was beatified
in 1999.

Comment:At Padre Pio's canonization Mass in 2002, Pope John Paul II
referred to that day's Gospel (Matthew 11:25-30) and said: “The Gospel image of
'yoke' evokes the many trials that the humble Capuchin of San Giovanni Rotondo
endured. Today we contemplate in him how sweet is the 'yoke' of Christ and
indeed how light the burden are whenever someone carries these with faithful
love. The life and mission of Padre Pio testify that difficulties and sorrows,
if accepted with love, transform themselves into a privileged journey of
holiness, which opens the person toward a greater good, known only to the
Lord.”

Mercy, a necessity...

Mercy is necessary for all to give, and to receive...

I read an interesting article from the latest issue of "God's Word Today", about the virtue of mercy. When I think of virtues, often I think of something positive like a characteristic that a Saint would have that is admirable.

I often forget that virtues are also a guideline that continues to help us enrich our everyday lives. That we might be able to actually live in knowing that we truly are striving to live and avoid the near occasion of sins. When I had received the above line, "Mercy is necessary for all to give, and to receive..." I loved the boldness of the thought..."necessary". Necessities are often described as a short list of absolute needs; shelter, water, food. But, mercy indeed is a spiritual necessity.

The article explains about translation of mercy.

"We translate the Hebrew word hesed as mercy but it loses something in translation. Hesed is so rich; it would be better translated as kindness, self-giving, or unconditional love. From hesed flows forgiveness and compassion. Hesed is also translated steadfast love, indicating the everlasting quality of God’s love. "

Now, imagine using that translation in truly expressing mercy in forgiveness for example. In order to truly be forgiving, we completing remove ourselves from the equation, so to speak. The forgiveness flows because we have an unconditional love that truly surpasses all understanding. Therefore, this "mercy" is necessary. Because, if I would try to forgive, but still hold on to my own thoughts and/or opinions I may say I forgive on the outside - but still remain in a prison of un-forgiveness that continues to hold me captive. Hesed, or Mercy, is necessary for all to give, and to receive - because perhaps in this flows the dialogue of the true love shared by the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Is it possible for us to share mercy with "all"?

...that we might spend eternity with Him

Mercy is the gift of His life from our humble savior, that we might spend eternity with Him...

Wow, what an incredible thought. ...that we might spend eternity with him. I sometimes think, how is that going to be exactly - I can only picture the most beautiful places I've ever been, only better; and as loved as I have ever felt, only more; and as much love as I have ever given, only more than I realize I can give. Singing, Holy Holy Holy. And, humbly, I realize that this can only be a reality by the price our Lord paid on the cross, because he loves us so much.

Today in an e-mail was an urgent request for prayer, there has been a lot lately; but this one somehow stood out to me. It was a request from a mother, whose daughter was at the end of her life. She was simply asking prayers for her daughter's soul.

"My precious daughter is in the last few hours of her life. Please help us keep this vigil by praying for her soul. That Our Blessed Mother will take her to meet her Precious Son Jesus and her punishment will be remitted that she may go directly to Him, in Jesus name we pray. B"

This is poignant and beautiful, because in a mother's grief there was understanding. In her prayer there is faith, that when her daughter passes from this life "...that she might spend eternity with Him". And as any parent experiences, even though you cannot always follow your children where they are, there is trust in the Lord that they are in loving care of the Father. I realize that as my children get on the bus every day, I should be saying a little prayer, "Jesus, I trust in You"!

Please join me in praying for this mother and daughter, and for any other souls that may be passing from this life today...that they might spend eternity with Him.