Mercy, not sacrifice

"Go and learn the meaning of the words, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'"

Matthew 9:13

 

We all will do well to listen to Jesus, here, and do the same. Pope Francis has declared a Year of Mercy, beginning later this year. There are already signs that this Year will have real legs on it--signs of forgiveness and reconciliation from the church toward those who feel on the fringe. The pope has already shown that this Year of Mercy is not just a nice idea to get his name in the papers. The Year of Mercy is a chance for each one of us to look deep inside and see where we can extend forgiveness and mercy in our own lives.  Are there past hurts we can forgive and, thus, really put in the past? Are there people with whom we haven't talked in a while we can reach out and reconnect? Are there people with whom we struggle that we could embrace? What will the Year of Mercy look like in our own lives? What can we do to spark merciful change? Real Mercy. Real Forgiveness. Real Change. "I desire mercy, not sacrifice."  Love, heidi