Encountering the merciful face of the father

   Christians all over the world are well aware about the closing of the Extra Ordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, in which we were called to reflect on the significant Christian aspect of mercy. Everyone was to encounter the merciful face of the Father, by entering through the holy door of mercy in order to reach its fullest richness. The completion of the year of mercy or the closing of the door of mercy does not mean that now we are exempted or can choose to be mercy in our endeavors. Whether the door is opened or closed, for Christians it is something essential to practice this important aspect of mercy following our Creator.

    God moved with compassion towards the humanity, so that he sent His only son to redeem in order to re-unite the whole people to Himself, “But when the time had fully come, God sent His son born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons and daughters.”(Gal 4, 4-5). By sending his only son to the world God continues to manifest his mission of mercy and love towards his people. This very act or the plan of God not only shows that we are abundantly gifted with His mercy but also assures the unceasing process of the salvific plan of God to the whole humanity. This ongoing Project of God clearly defines about him that mercy is not something that he has but He is (being).

As we are to welcome a new and fresh liturgical year, that begins with the “Advent -a season of grace”, preparation to commemorate the historical birth of the savior, Jesus Christ and to make ourselves ready to face His second coming, through our acts of charity make a place within our hearts for Jesus to dwell in.  When our hearts are filled with mercy and compassion towards one another, fearlessly we can find Christ not as a judge but as a friend, father and the savior of our lives.

   Steve Jobs, the co-founder of the Apple Company, states that, “If we live each day as our last day we would be certainly alright”. This is an appropriate saying, which can be applied to this context. The same kind of invitation is given to each of us. Considering that we are in our last days to meet Christ, our Lord, so let us prepare our hearts and minds with the acts of charity in order to experience Jesus, who is the fullness of redemption and the visible face of the invisible Father. 

By. Ann Roy 
annroycmf@gmail.com