The Feast of Christ the King and Year of Mercy

Our God is called by many names;

however one of the best is the

God of Mercy and Compassion

The Year of Mercy was declared by Pope Francis and began on December 8^th 2015 on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and will be closing on November 20^th 2016, which coincidentally is on the Feast of Christ the King and the end of the liturgical calendar of the Catholic (Universal) Church.

Of the numerous names that our God has been called, one of the best ever is as the God of Compassion, which by implication means the God of Mercy or the Merciful God! In mercy the true and complete essence of the loving kindness of the almighty God is made manifest beyond human imagination.

Today as we begin our celebration of Christ the King in recognition of the universality of the reign of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, King of King and Lord of lords and the epitome of mercy, let us reflect upon the infinite goodness and divine providence of our God in the lives of the faith.

What does “Mercy” mean to you? If one of the best attribute of our God is being merciful and or compassionate, how can you describe your relationship with others? Are you merciful and compassionate towards others, especially those who are at your mercy?

Jesus Christ, the King of endless glory and Divine Mercy, you are the epitome and manifestation of God the Father and the physical appearance of the Holy Spirit and in him we are called upon to become the arms of “Mercy” to all that we encountered today.

Therefore in order to worthily celebrate the Feast of Christ the King and the closing of the Year of Mercy, we must become like “Mercy” or “Compassion” or in a nutshell another Jesus Christ!

For us to become “Mercy”, we must know what Mercy is and live it! Consequently below are some examples of how we can become the instrument of Mercy and share in the Kingship of the Feast of Christ the King:

By simple definition Mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm! However this definition from a pragmatic perspective defines our actions or inaction that enables others to see Jesus Christ in us!

Mercy is welcoming those who are helpless and hopeless

Mercy is feeding the poor

Mercy is healing the sick

Mercy is providing for those who lack

Mercy is forgiving others who may have hurt us

Mercy is sharing our times and fortune with others

Mercy is supporting others

Mercy is nurturing others

Mercy is seeking those who are lost until we find them

Mercy is accepting people that are different from us

Mercy is rejoicing with those who are rejoicing

Mercy is crying with those who are crying

Mercy is visiting the sick

Mercy is freeing the captive

Mercy is clothing the naked

Mercy is comforting the afflicted

Mercy is praying for all mankind, living and the dead alike

Mercy is bearing wrongs patiently

Mercy is counseling the doubtful

Mercy is being able to love the unlovable

Mercy is lovingly correcting the wrongdoer

Mercy is remembering the pains without the heart for revenge

The Jubilee Year of Mercy will come to an end on November 20, 2016, which coincides with the Feast of Christ the King and the end of the current liturgical year and appropriately redirecting our minds and hearts toward the end time! Let us use this opportunity to grow in our personal relationship with God and become a better person.

Prayer:

Dear God,

Who is like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of your inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. Please come down and once again have compassion on us.

Touch us today with your Holy Spirit so that we may develop a personal relationship with you!

Guide our heart O Lord, our God that love may reside permanently and to the glory of your name.

And into your loving hand, we commend our spirit and raise our voices in praise and adoration for your divine mercy and providence in our lives.

Make us to be your “Mercy” in our world, so that we too may bring Jesus Christ to our neighbors and become the instrument of your love, hope and faith.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ we offer these prayers! Amen.

@peternhelenodeh