Put on the wings of mercy

The closing of the Jubilee Year of Mercy does not mean the end or slowing down of the practice of mercy and compassion to our brothers and sisters, especially to those in need, but instead spurs  each faithful disciple of Jesus to put on wings of mercy in order to speed up one’s acts of mercy to others, first of all to those nearby, as among family members and neighbors, for it is said, “Charity begins at home.”  Constant acts of mercy will bear fruit in generosity, sharing, tolerance, forgiveness, peace, and humility (self-forgetfulness) in recognizing that all good things & opportunities come from God.” 


In extending mercy to others, Jesus showed His speed as when He did acts of healing to those who begged for this.  Take the case of the blind man who shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” even if ordered by others to keep quiet.  Jesus immediately halted and told the pleading man, “Receive your sight.  Your faith has healed you” (Lk. 18:37-42). St. Luke also narrates the same story that happened to the ten lepers who called out “Jesus, Master, have pity on!” (Lk. 17:13). Through his own mother at Cana, Jesus showed his pity for the newlyweds by performing His 1st miracle, even if “My hour has not yet come” (John 1: 2-11).

“Let no soul fear to draw near to Me…my mercy is so great…Everything that exists has come forth from the depths of My most tender mercy…,” wrote St. Faustina Kowalska about the Lord’s revelation to her (Diary, 699).  May Mary, Mediatrix of All Grace, grant us the grace of this most tender heart of Divine Mercy that we may not be afraid or hesitant to ask and share His mercy for others, on the wings of a tested faith and God’s love.  If our focus is on the Lord, His light and mercy can shine through us to reach others who suffer from spiritual blindness, lukewarmness, or frustration from worldly deceptions.  “Lord, have mercy!  Save me from sinking in my own doubts, fears, vanities, and defeats. Give me wings to be instrument of your mercy to those beset by dangers and stormy trials in life.”