In his inauguration of a Year of Mercy , Pope Francis invites us to strike out with him on a yearlong spiritual journey to be disciples of mercy ; that is , to extend the loving-kindness , compassion , and forgiveness that God has shown us to those we meet in our daily lives .
LIVING IN THE LIGHT
Spirituality for the Lay Person
Disciples of Mercy
Dr . Patricia Cooney Hathaway
In his inauguration of a Year of Mercy , Pope Francis invites us to strike out with him on a yearlong spiritual journey to be disciples of mercy ; that is , to extend the loving-kindness , compassion , and forgiveness that God has shown us to those we meet in our daily lives .
As a guide to helping us usher in what he calls “ a revolution of tenderness ,” Pope Francis suggests we reflect upon saints of our tradition who , through their words and actions , model what a disciple of mercy looks like .
Let ’ s take a look at a few .
FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Francis , who lived in the twelfth century , was the son of a textile merchant whose wealth enabled Francis to enjoy the good life . His biographer , Thomas Celano , describes Francis as “ striving to outdo the rest in the pomp of vainglory , in song and soft flowing garments for he was very rich .”
After his conversion , Francis happened upon a leper . Initially repulsed , Francis struggled to show this man mercy and compassion . He gave him money but then offered him a kiss of peace .
Upon reflection , Francis realized that this was his first victory over his natural inclinations . Through this leper , he learned that God could change one ’ s attitudes .
CATHERINE OF SIENA
Catherine , one of four women Doctors of the Church , was a lay woman who lived in the fourteenth century . She wrote The Dialogue , which records her privileged conversations with God .
One of the passages I will never forget is when God tells Catherine , “ The one sin I cannot forgive is when someone does not believe in my mercy .” God tells Catherine how pleased he was when Peter repented for disowning Jesus and how sad he was when Judas despaired , not believing God could forgive him .
There is a lesson here for all of us . People have told me that they don ’ t believe God can forgive them for something they have done . I quote them the words of Catherine , reminding them that God ’ s mercy is available for everyone , always .
SR . MARIA FAUSTINA KOWALSKA
How could I write about saints who teach us about God ’ s mercy without mentioning St . Faustina ? Though the divine mercy message that she received from Jesus is not new to us , it is clear that Jesus wanted her to remind all of us to believe in , and take courage from , his endless mercy .
Her diary , which recorded Jesus ’ message to her , has sparked a great movement within the Church and has brought about an inner spiritual healing in the lives of countless people . Christ asked Sister Faustina to recite the novena starting on Good Friday and ending on Divine Mercy Sunday . While the chaplet is most often recited during those
“ Hopefully , each of us will draw upon mercy rather than severity .”
nine days , it can be prayed at any time . Pope John Paul II described Sister Faustina as the great apostle of God ’ s mercy in our time .
ST . JOHN XXIII
There is one more saint of our time who must be mentioned , for he changed the world ’ s perception of our Church through initiating Vatican Council II . Pope John XXIII brought about a fresh perception of the Church through his own personality , which exuded warmth , loving-kindness , and compassion to everyone he met . Most important , in his inaugural address to the bishops from around the world , he stated that this council would not be one of condemnation but one that makes use of the medicine of mercy rather than that of severity .
Hopefully each of us will draw upon mercy rather than severity in our judgment of others .
Pope Francis has taken Pope John XXIII ’ s message of mercy to heart by making it the centerpiece of his papacy . Our challenge is to heed the message of these saints by finding ways within our own lives to bring about this “ revolution of tenderness ” by being disciples of mercy .
Dr . Patricia Cooney Hathaway is professor of spirituality and systematic theology at Sacred Heart .
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