Anger, in its proper use, is meant to protect us or someone who is dear to us. But so often anger builds a home in the heart and begins to poison it by turning into rumination, the desire for vengeance, and making one a bitter person. Prophets and sages of old learned to let vengeance belong to God, and not to us, because “the Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and full of compassion.”
Anger, which was intended to enforce justice, instead becomes a source of injustice, self-righteousness, and embitterment. The antidote to anger gone afoul is mercy. Mercy is a loving gift, not something that can be earned or bought. This is illustrated so clearly in today’s gospel proclamation.
The master has mercy on his servant, but the same servant compounds his own injustice by having no mercy for another servant. All of us wish to receive mercy, but we must ask ourselves honestly if we are willing to give it.
If we have trouble giving mercy to another person, let us ask the Lord to help us become merciful by the grace of His own mercy and example in forgiving us!
The Sacrament of Reconciliation through the Rite of Penance is intended to celebrate a change of heart that has already begun. First, we recognize the need for forgiveness within our hearts, and then we ask for God’s mercy with sincere intentions.
Let us invite our people to the seat of mercy by encouraging them to come for confession and reconciliation. Let them know that confession is a moment of celebrating mercy and allowing a change of heart to take place.
Question: are your parish’s times for reconciliation truly convenient for your people? Can you adjust the time, or add additional times for reconciliation?
Pastoral Action Points
- A parish is a local family of faith. We rejoice in each one’s victories and grieve each other’s sorrows. Use your GC Smart Tools so that parishioners can send in their prayer requests. If you want to know how, just contact Teresa Meyer at teresa@givecentral.org
- GC’s 20 for 20 campaign is in kick-off mode! If you want to know more about it look here: https://www.givecentral.org/20-for-20-campaign
- Have you formed your welcoming ministry yet? It is critical to your parish’s growth. It’s not too late to start one now!
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