Dear Sister and Brothers,
Pope Francis has called us to begin the Year of Mercy on the feast of the Immaculate Conception December 8th 2015 and end on November 20, 2016. He has made mercy the central theme of his papacy. In Evangelii Gaudium, The Joy of the Gospel, mercy is used 32 times.
This is what our holy father Pope Francis has had to say:
The Church should be more evident in its mission of being a witness of mercy. It is a call for each of us to give consolation to every man and woman of our time. No one can be excluded from the mercy of God.
The Church is the house that welcomes all and refuses no one, the pope said, Its doors remain open so that those touched by grace can find the certainty of Forgiveness.
The Church is in need of mercy during this year of mercy Let us never tire of asking Forgiveness.
We entrust it as of now to the Mother of Mercy as she looks with her gaze and watches over our way as Jesus would not deny anything that she asks.
Pope Francis wants us to live the upcoming Holy Year “in the light” of the Gospel of Luke – Be Merciful just as your Father is merciful.
REFLECTION: Saint Francis “A PRAYER INSPIRED BY THE OUR FATHER”
Forgiveness
Forgive us our trespasses through the ineffable mercy through the power of the passion of Your beloved Son and through the merits and intercession of the ever blessed Virgin and all Your elect.
As we forgive those who trespass against us and what we do not completely forgive, make us, Lord, forgive completely that we may truly love our enemies because of You and we may fervently intercede for them before You, returning no evil for evil and may we strive to help everyone in You.
Through this season of Advent let us apply this reflection to our daily lives as Franciscans. Even though we may not forget, let us let go of what ever grudge and/or animosity we may hold over another and consider what relationship may be in need of healing.
Let us pray,
May we seek to forgive as YOU forgive, for in forgiveness comes healing.
Let us extend our reconciliation to all we meet and be that Door of Mercy, opening wide to receive mercy and embrace peace.
May you have a blessed Advent season and a Holy and peaceful Christmas!
Much love,
Rosie
