This week we celebrate the Octave of Easter concluding with Divine Mercy Sunday. It is, in effect a continuous celebration of God’s mercy which is ever present and results in pure joy and eternal hope. This past week I went to see the movie, I Can Only Imagine. If you have not seen it- go! It is the story of Bart Millard and how he came to write this song. It is a song of forgiveness, a song of redemption, a song of hope and a song of joy. More importantly, it is a story of how God’s mercy and love come to us in many forms and ways. In our darkest moments, the moments of our greatest fear or despair, God provides to us what we need, when we need it. We must be paying attention though, so we can latch onto that which he provides to us. At Easter, God fulfills his greatest act of mercy and love through the sacrifice of his son. Divine Mercy Sunday – which was given to us by Christ himself – celebrates and recognizes the immense mercy poured out on us by Jesus.
As Vincentians, we need to recognize that we are partakers in that mercy. We are both recipients and providers. Each of us has had those dark moments when God has reached out to us in unexpected ways and through people or events we did not anticipate. But He also uses each of us to be His vehicle of mercy. Every time God brings someone before us who is facing one of their dark moments, we become His mercy to them. Do I allow God to place an attitude of mercy, compassion and forgiveness in me? Do I, through my patience, my presence and my persistence help them to find their path forward? Do I engender in them a sense of hope?
Lord Jesus, Alleluia, I am surrounded by your Glory! As I stand in your presence, let me fall to my knees, let me sing Hallelujah, let your mercy and love show through me! Let my presence help others to see your face. Grant me the patience, the kindness, and the love to remove the darkness in the lives of others through the actions you lead me to. We pray all of this in your name. Amen
Deacon Mike