Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,

We focus once again on Pope Francis and his message in the Seasons of Mercy: Reflections by Pope Francis for Living the Holy Year of Mercy Season by Season as we continue our Advent journey.  “Pope Francis reminds us the Church, which means each of us its members, is called to witness to the power of God’s mercy to transform us and our world.

Jesus calls us to imitate his own way of loving: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34).  To the extent to which we live this love, we become credible disciples of Christ to the world.  Love cannot bear being locked up in itself.  By its nature it is open, spreads and bears fruit and always kindles new love.

Following Jesus does not mean taking part in a triumphal procession but sharing his merciful love, entering his great work of mercy for each and every person and for all persons.  Jesus’ work is, precisely, a work of mercy, a work of forgiveness and of love!  Jesus is so full of mercy!

Jesus’ call pushes each of us never to stop at the surface of things, especially when we are dealing with another person.  We are called to look beyond, to focus on the heart to see how much generosity everyone is capable of.  No one can be excluded from God’s mercy.  The Church is the house that welcomes all and refuses no one.  Its doors remain wide open, so that those who are touched by grace can find the certainty of forgiveness.

Jesus, however, does not want to do this work alone but wants to involve us too in the mission the Father entrusted to him.  After the resurrection he told his disciples: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.  Whose sins you forgive are forgiven” (John 20:21-22).

Let us too have greater courage in witnessing to our faith in the risen Christ!  We must not be afraid of being Christian and living as Christians!  We must have the courage to go and proclaim the risen Christ, for he is our peace.  He made peace with his love, with his forgiveness, with his blood and with his mercy.

As Christians, we look forward to opening our hearts to those living on the outermost fringes of society: fringes which modern society itself creates.  How many uncertain and painful situations there are in the world today!  How many are the wounds borne by the flesh of those who have no voice because their cry is muffled and drowned out by the indifference of the rich!  Each day the Church tries to heal these wounds, to assuage them with the oil of consolation, to bind them with mercy and cure them with solidarity and vigilant care.

We pray that each day, may the Church echo the word of God that resounds strong and clear as a message and a sign of pardon, strength, aid and love.  May she never tire of extending mercy and be ever patient in offering compassion and comfort.  May the Church become the voice of every man and woman, and repeat confidently without end: “Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love, for they have been from old” (Psalm 25:6).

Grace and Peace to all of you,

Fr. David