Category Archives: Misericordiae Vultus

Now we arrive at the end of the document proclaiming the Jubilee Year. Have any of you held back observations until now? Feel free to share them. 25. I present, therefore, this Extraordinary Jubilee Year dedicated to living out in … Continue reading →

Saint Faustina comes to mind as the modern saint most associated with mercy: Our prayer also extends to the saints and blessed ones who made divine mercy their mission in life. I am especially thinking of the great apostle of … Continue reading →

Of course, the Blessed Mother features in the thinking of Pope Francis. Indeed after the title of “Queen,” we address her second as “Mother of Mercy” in the Salve Regina. 24. My thoughts now turn to the Mother of Mercy. … Continue reading →

Mercy is not unique to Christianity. Indeed, we’ve already seen our inheritance of mercy with centuries-old foundations in our parent religion. 23. There is an aspect of mercy that goes beyond the confines of the Church. It relates us to … Continue reading →

God’s face of mercy includes a look at indulgences. Both meanings of the word come into play here, a very good exposition on the term: 22. A Jubilee also entails the granting of indulgences. This practice will acquire an even … Continue reading →

One thing that strikes me in this second half of section 21 is the premise that justice itself will be undone if it lacks mercy, if it is pursued for its own sake. What do you think? If God limited … Continue reading →

Not convinced yet about mercy? Pope Francis suggests we turn our gaze at a prophet of the Old Testament: 21. Mercy is not opposed to justice but rather expresses God’s way of reaching out to the sinner, offering him a new … Continue reading →

Let’s finish up section 20 with some testimony from Saint Paul. Few saints have experienced such a remarkable conversion from rigidity to mercy: The Apostle Paul makes a similar journey. Prior to meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus, he … Continue reading →

We turn to the topic much fretted about these days. 20. It would not be out of place at this point to recall the relationship between justice and mercy. These are not two contradictory realities, but two dimensions of a … Continue reading →

Pope Francis has not let up on his challenge to organized crime and other forms of political corruption. Another mention here: 19. May the message of mercy reach everyone, and may no one be indifferent to the call to experience mercy. … Continue reading →

Pope Francis explains Missionaries of Mercy. As I read this, I have a friend I’d like to nominate. 18. During Lent of this Holy Year, I intend to send out Missionaries of Mercy. They will be a sign of the Church’s … Continue reading →

Some words on one of Pope Francis’ favorite sacraments, an initiative we’ve seen in many dioceses around the world: The initiative of “24 Hours for the Lord,” to be celebrated on the Friday and Saturday preceding the Fourth Week of … Continue reading →

Lent 2016 will be a special time for the Church. Remember, we will be in year C, perhaps the cycle most dedicated to the theme of penance and mercy as it is proclaimed in the Lenten Lectionary. 17. The season … Continue reading →

One of the key Gospel passages is the commencement of the Lord’s public ministry. In reading the scroll at synagogue, Jesus explains the vector of his service for and call to Israel. And to us, certainly. 16. In the Gospel … Continue reading →

Yesterday we were reminded of the works of mercy. We cannot escape them, it seems. Pope Francis offers some concrete examples in conducting these in the jubilee and beyond: We cannot escape the Lord’s words to us, and they will … Continue reading →