Faith Reflection: Mercy—The Beauty of Our Young
“God wanted to enter into the life and history of a people,” Pope Francis said in Gaudete Et Exsultate (Rejoice and Be Glad), and He “draws us to himself, taking into account the complex fabric of interpersonal relationships present in a human community.”
Community is important. God Himself is a community of Love between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are not isolated individuals, we thrive within community. With Francis laying this groundwork it might not be surprising that community is one of the “five great expressions of love for God and neighbor” that he lists in his exhortation.
Pope Francis, of course is so right in showing us that “growth in holiness is a journey in community, side by side with others.” Again, we are not isolated. We live, work, worship, and do things with others. That, however, doesn’t mean things will always run smoothly, that our closet family and friends aren’t going to annoy and drive us a little nuts at times no matter how wonderful they are or how much we love them.
In his letter Francis pointed out some little details of love that can go a long way in helping us to look at others joyfully, to help us work through those times when we are getting irritated by those around us. Instead of that list though, I am going to share a different list taken from his message for World Communications Day back in January. It is a reworking of the St. Francis of Assisi prayer. This reworking of that well known prayer also shows us how to respond in a better way than we may first be inclined to. This is especially important when living in community is getting too close for comfort and we forget that “the common life, whether in the family, the parish, the religious community or any other, is made up of small everyday things,” and we forget to do these, and do them well.
And for those times when we fail in these small, everyday things, which we will, “I’m sorry,” goes a long way to restoring the peace.
Lord, make us instruments of your peace…
May our words be seeds of goodness for the world:
where there is shouting, let us practice listening;
where there is confusion, let us inspire harmony;
where there is ambiguity, let us bring clarity;
where there is exclusion, let us offer solidarity;
where there is sensationalism, let us use sobriety;
where there is superficiality, let us raise real questions;
where there is prejudice, let us awaken trust;
where there is hostility, let us bring respect;
where there is falsehood, let us bring truth.
Amen.
Thank you. Mrs. Alhadef