YearofMercy_350x150Year of Mercy
December 8, 2015–November 20, 2016

Year of Mercy

Pope Francis has declared an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. This Holy Year of Mercy began December 8, 2015, the feast of the Immaculate Conception and the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council. It will close November 20, 2016, the Feast of Christ the King. This year’s motto is “Merciful Like the Father.”

Sometimes, when we think of the word mercy, we picture someone throwing themselves on their knees before a cruel villain, pleading to be spared some punishment. This is not our understanding of God’s mercy. We do not ask for God’s mercy because we are afraid of incurring his wrath as punishment for our sins. Rather, when we call on God to have mercy, we are calling on God in the only way we know him—as one who responds with compassion to those in need. When we show mercy to others, we are responding as God responds, with compassion.

Articles

Pope Francis on the Parable of the Merciful Father – http://www.loyolapress.com/pope-francis-on-the-parable-of-the-merciful-father.htm
Understanding and Praying with the Parable of the Forgiving Father – http://www.loyolapress.com/understanding-and-praying-with-the-parable-of-the-forgiving-father.htm

Divine Mercy Sunday – http://www.loyolapress.com/divine-mercy-sunday.htm

Works of Mercy – http://www.loyolapress.com/corporal-and-spiritual-works-of-mercy.htm

A Source of Reconciliation and Joy: The Sacrament of Penance – http://www.loyolapress.com/a-source-of-reconciliation-and-joy.htm