Appreciating mercy
I have to admit that the word “mercy” was not used that much in my vocabulary before this year. But now I’ve come to appreciate mercy.
As I’ve learned, encountering mercy means encountering God — who is indeed all that is merciful.
Mercy can transform our lives, our relationships, our work, and our ability to embrace and experience life, according to reflections on the website, www.dynamiccatholic.com
During this Year of Mercy, I have learned much by reading some of Matthew Kelly’s books, which are published by the Dynamic Catholic Institute. I would suggest reading any of his books to learn more about the Catholic faith and sharing it with others.
Rediscover Jesus: An Invitation is the last book I read. This book helped me rekindle a more personal relationship with Jesus and helped me see how that can lead to more joy in my own life and in my relationship with other people.
In 2017, Dynamic Catholic will focus its Best Lent Ever daily email program on Rediscover Jesus. Each day, Matthew Kelly will guide participants through a chapter of the day with a short reflection.
This will be one way to continue what we’ve started during the Year of Mercy.
The Works of Mercy
But perhaps one of the highlights of the Year of Mercy has been its emphasis on the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy.
Although I’ve always done a few Works of Mercy, this year has encouraged me — and hopefully other people — to step up our efforts in such areas as feeding the hungry and clothing the naked.
This includes making regular donations of material goods, money, and time to Catholic organizations which help the poor and those in need in our community.
Perhaps more difficult are the Spiritual Works of Mercy, but I’ve made efforts to do some of these, such as comforting the sorrowful, forgiving injuries, bearing wrongs patiently, and praying for the living and the dead.
Continuing our efforts
One way to continue the Works of Mercy into the future is by supporting the new Saint Mother Teresa Mercy Endowment Fund, established by Bishop Robert C. Morlino through the Catholic Diocese of Madison Foundation. This fund offers us a way to permanently commemorate the Year of Mercy.
In choosing to give to this effort, our gifts will help grow the endowment fund to make the Works of Mercy (both Corporal and Spiritual) more available to many in our diocese.
Let’s all look for ways that we can continue the Year of Mercy after it ends. Let’s make mercy not only part of our vocabulary, but part of our daily lives.