By virtue of our Baptism, all of us are called to be merciful and inclusive. All of us are called to reach out to those on the margins, living lives that are marked by tenderness and compassion. We are not called, however, to be “soft-hearted powder-puffs,” indifferent to sin and all that alienates us from God.
Baptism itself immerses us into the very life of God and the essential attribute of God is love, since love is what obtains among the three divine persons from all eternity. Mercy is what love looks like when it turns toward the sinner, the marginalized, the most needy among us, and all of us who are estranged from God in one way or another. When Pope Francis was asked, in a famous interview several years ago, to describe himself, he responded, “a sinner, who has been looked upon by the face of mercy.”
Let us pray. “Heavenly Father, help us to be good listeners. Fill our hearts with tender mercy. Make us instruments of your peace and grant us your salvation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
