Faith Reflection: Mercy—Love in action
A couple years back I was able to attend a Bible study at Saint Frances in Yucaipa. At that time they were using Fr. Bob Miller’s book on the Beatitudes as they looked at the Beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew. The map image Fr. Miller used has stayed with me: The Beatitudes are like a giant topographical map that shows all kinds of interesting and beautiful things we can experience on the way. They call us to travel the byways and take new unexplored paths. The Beatitudes reveal the beauty of living guided by God’s vision rather than by our limited human sight.
As a geography major looking at the Beatitudes this way sounded more inviting than some other ways that had been presented. Instead of becoming overwhelmed by what, at first glance, was appearing so demanding and difficult as I began looking closely at the Beatitudes Fr. Miller’s words made me give them due consideration and I was able to see how beautiful it is to live these teachings of Jesus.
Our 7th grader today gives us a roadmap to evangelizing and being merciful. She picks up literally where Saint Matthew’s Beatitudes leave off.
Mercy Essay
by Leigh
In Mark 16:15 it says, “And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’” We can evangelize by acting like Jesus would. I can do that by being selfless.
We can be selfless by forgiving someone even though it’s hard to. In Matthew 6:14-17 it says, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But it you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” God wants us to look forward and not depend on the past.
Our diocese is again offering theology classes through Loyola Marymount University. Held once a month at Aquinas High School from 7-9p, there is no charge and they are open to all. While I signed up for the February 22nd class right away I’m also looking forward to the classes in March and April as they will include arguments from Saint Thomas Aquinas, one of my favorite saints. If you are interested in the classes please go to this link to register: https://lmu.wufoo.com/forms/m1q0l29f0gm032k/
Cinema for the Soul will be showing Queen of Katwe next week, Thursday, February 23rd. Come see how God can bring out our hidden talents even in the most dire of circumstances. Based on the true story of a 10 year old girl from the slums of Kampala, Uganda who learns to play chess from a visiting missionary. Her natural ability leads to success in local competitions opening the door for a way to escape from a life of poverty. Please join us upstairs in the Olive parish hall from 7-9p.
Thank you. Mrs. Alhadef