World Youth Day USA Guides Retreat Manual | Page 45
Krakow, saying “Mercy does not just imply
INDIVIDUAL REFLECTION TIME
being a ‘good person’ nor is it mere
NOTE TO LEADER: Take 15 to 25 minutes to
sentimentality. It is the measure of our
allow the participants to reflect on the catechesis. The
authenticity as disciples of Jesus, and of our
following are questions for personal reflection:
credibility as Christians in today’s world.”
Jesus’ mercy for us – reflections to consider:
Where do we encounter Jesus’ mercy?
Where do we see it in our lives?
Where do we notice forgiveness?
Where do we notice Jesus relieving us from
Why did Jesus preach so much on mercy?
What’s the alternative to mercy that I am
called to avoid?
who is merciful?
our burdens, struggles, or pains?
Where have we experienced God’s mercy?
How has that mercy appeared in our lives?
What strikes me about the person of Jesus,
Where am I experiencing or have I
experienced Jesus’ mercy in my life?
What does this experience of receiving
mercy help me know about my relationship
with Jesus?
How can we help others encounter God’s
mercy? By being merciful to others!
Where in my life am I in need of Jesus’
mercy and healing today?
Receiving mercy compels us to show
mercy to one another.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION TIME
It is through our experiencing of
NOTE TO LEADER: Take approximately 20 to
receiving Jesus’ mercy (in many ways,
30 minutes to allow participants to join together in
but especially through the Sacrament of
discussion; use the questions from individual reflection
Reconciliation) that we are strengthened
time to guide the conversation in the small groups.
in our understanding and experience of
God’s love for us. This gift prepares us
to share God’s love with others.
43