Mary’s magnificat has so much to ponder on that it is a rich source to return to again and again. Recently I had been reflecting on the first mention of mercy in her canticle—God’s mercy is there perpetually and for all—or as the Lucan passage says, “for those who fear him.” So when I came across Pope Francis’ 10 January 2021 Angelus talk on mercy it caught my attention and I want to share his insights.
January 10th was the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus and the Pope was highlighting how this feast “reveals the greatness of daily life, the importance in God’s eyes of every gesture and moment of life, even the simplest, even the most hidden.”
In talking about the baptism of Jesus, Francis went on to show how “God is manifested when mercy appears, because this is the face of God. Love calls upon love. It also applies to us: in each act of service, in every work of mercy we perform, God is manifested, God’s gaze is set upon the world.”
“Even before we do anything our life was marked by mercy and it was laid upon us.” the Pope continued. “We have been saved freely. Salvation is free. It is the freely given gesture of God’s mercy toward us. Sacramentally that is done on the day of our baptism, but those who are not baptized always receive God’s mercy because God is there waiting, waiting for them to open the doors of their hearts. God draws near, allow me to say, God caresses us with his mercy.”
2021 would be a good year for us to know our Lord’s closeness and be caressed with God’s mercy.
Showcasing 7th grade’s talents: God’s mercy may not be as visible as these yellow spots on Cooper’s cat but is manifested when we care for others.
God bless,
Mrs. Alhadef
Campus Minister
4th Grade Aide
Jr. High ELA Aide