The leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis opened the huge bronze Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, for the start of the JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY, as he exhorted his followers to: “Be merciful, just as the father is merciful!”, themed as a “revolution of tenderness”. The Pontiff wishes to revolutionize the Church’s approach to become more forgiving and understanding towards those who sincerely repent. The motto,is “Merciful Like the Father,” , following the example of the Father who asks us not to judge or condemn but to forgive and to give love and forgiveness without measure.” This started on the feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8 and will end on the Feast of Christ the King on November 20, 2016. He has extended his concerns not only for Catholics, but, even to all those who need mercy like prisoners, homeless, mentally ill, and drug addicts, regardless of their race or church affiliation.
In the diocese of Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental and Siquijor, Most Reverend Bishop Julito Cortes, expounded on the theme, during the concelebrated mass at the Mary Immaculate Parish Church during its fiesta on December 8. The emphasis was on the importance of being merciful, doing acts of mercy, the “creation of structures of mercy”, as a means to facilitate the impact of MERCY in the lives of people who need it most. He encouraged parishioners to take effective measures to meet real needs in the world that will express mercy through tangible assistance. The opening of businesses to allow more opportunities for employment, is one of the ways to fulfill this objective. When a person has a job, he acquires dignity, and a source of livelihood, uplifting the living circumstances of himself and his family.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that: “The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbour in his spiritual and bodily necessities. Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting, are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead. Among all of these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God.” (CCC 2447)
At the societal level, let us also not forget to address justice and mercy issues in the root causes of poverty and inequality in our country — such as the protection of the environment, the completion of agrarian reform, and the continuing challenges of good governance, peace-building, and inclusive growth for all.
By practising basic good manners and right conduct, making it a habit to say “please”, “thank you” or a kind word of appreciation, refraining from cursing and using hurting words, forgiving those who wronged you, caring for the young, sick, elderly, are acts of mercy.
BE MERCIFUL!
_______________________________
Author’s email: whelmayap@yahoo.com
