We are learning more about the mercy of God in Sunday’s liturgy. From the Gospel: “Are you envious because I am generous?” (Mt 20:15) The mercy of God is never-ending and far more bountiful than most human compassion and forgiveness.
One of our first actions at Mass is to give God praise for being merciful in the Penitential Act. There are three options for the Penitential Act. The first two options focus on our sins; the third seems to have a different emphasis. (It also seems to be used the most often in parishes I attend). If you look at the examples given in the Roman Missal for the changeable part, the invocation, you can see that they give praise to our Lord Jesus through an action, a characteristic, or a title.
Examples: “You came to reconcile us to one another and to the Father, Lord have mercy.” “You heal the wounds of sin and division.” “You bring light to those in darkness.” “You come in word and sacrament to strengthen us in holiness.” “You are mighty God and Prince of peace.” “You are the Good Shepherd, leading us into everlasting life.” “You came to gather the nations into the peace of God’s kingdom.” The examples never say, “For the times we have hurt one another, Lord have mercy;” or “Because we have ignored the needs of others;” or “Because we are great sinners.”
We know that we are called to holiness. We also know that we stumble and fail, but we are going to get back up and try again. We have the courage to move forward because we trust in God’s mercy. We are not crushed by guilt. We are expressing joy, not despair. We focus on the goodness of God rather than on our faults. God is generous, and we are grateful.
Suggestion for Reflection Consider these words from the examples above: Christ is “reconciling us;” Christ is “healing our wounds;” Christ heals the “sin and division that wound us;” Christ is “light in the darkness;” Christ comes in “word and sacrament;” Christ is “strengthening us in holiness;” Christ is the “Prince of peace” and the “Good Shepherd;” Christ is “leading us to everlasting life;” Christ is “gathering the nations together;” Christ leads us into “the peace of God’s kingdom.”
