With our recent 366 days of experience behind us, hopefully, everyone is a little bit wiser and kinder. Has Pope Francis' call to embrace mercy anew, changed us? Are we kinder? Have we paid closer attention to the ongoing challenges of 'Mercy-ing' so as to move us forward to a more consistent way of living?
Pope Francis is well aware of our human condition. Though the Year of Mercy officially ended in the closing days of 2016, he was quick to encourage us to stretch our hearts and continue to hone our Mercy-ing skills.
As Canadian author, Louise Penny’s, Inspector Gamache, wisely states, “We are all blessed and blighted.” If this be true, mercy is both ours to give and receive, and thus Mercy-ing offers ample opportunities for New Year's resolutions. Even with the best of intentions, resolutions can easily slip away from our consciousness.
Would it be helpful to imagine 2017 as a year of miracles? Miracles? Would you be surprised to discover that there are miracles in your own pocket right now? God-given miracles to be extended through your hands. Carrying pocket miracles out into the world, is a simple, easily remembered New Year's resolution.
"If your hand is willing,
you could pull a small miracle out of your pocket,
a small gift - a note that made a soul stronger,
a cup of something warm to soothe someone's knotted places,
a hand to help someone up,
open arms just to embrace the overwhelmed and whisper grace.
Carry pocket miracles out into the world..."
Srs. Loretta Hagen, csj; Magdalena Vogt, cps; Nancy Wales, csj