A Year of Mercy with Pope Francis - Daily Reflect

LET US COURAGEOUSLY ASK

As [the year] draws to a close, we gather up, as in a basket, the days, weeks, and months we have lived in order to offer them all to the Lord. And let us courageously ask ourselves: How have we lived the time which he has given us? Have we used it primarily for ourselves, for our own interests, or have we also sought to spend it on others? How much time have we reserved for being with God in prayer, in silence, in adoration? --- Homily, December 31, 2013

Reflection: Each season and moment in our lives is a gift from God. When we reflect back it is a chance to reflect with gratitude on God's mercy, love and providence in our lives. What have you done with these gifts? Where can you improve? Make a resolution to make a change toward greater freedom and mercy this next year.

INDESTRUCTIBLE LOVE

With the birth of Jesus the heavens open! God Gives us in Christ the guarantee of an indestructible love....And it is possible for each one of us, if we allow ourselves to be suffused with God's love,, which is given to us for the first time in baptism by means of the Holy Spirit. Let us allow ourselves to be invaded by God's love! This is the great time of mercy! Do not forget it: this is the great time of mercy! --- Angelus, January 12, 2014

REFLECTION: giving ourselves to others in love takes courage. We can only do this knowing that we possess God's indestructible love. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you be invaded by God's love so that your can give it to others.

JESUS IS GOD-WITH-US

The presence of God among men did not take place in a perfect, idyllic world but rather in this real world, which is marked by so many things both good and bad, by division, wickedness, poverty, arrogance and war.

He chose to live in our history as it it, with all the weight of its limitations and of its tragedies. In doing so, he has demonstrated in an unequaled manner his merciful and truly loving disposition toward the human creature. He is the God-with-us. Jesus is God-with-us. Do you believe this?

REFLECTION: Mother Teresa was reportedly inspired by a poem that states in part: "People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.:" Christmas is a reminder of God's plan to enter into our brokenness and to be merciful anyway. What part of your brokenness does God need to enter into? He is with you. Don't hide your brpkenness from him.

ARE WE LIKE HEROD?

Feast of the Holy Innocents

And we have to ask ourselves: Who are we, as we stand before the Child of Jesus? Who are we, standing as we stand before today's children? Are we like Mary and Joseph who welcomed Jesus and care for him with the love of a father and mother? Or are we like Herod, who wanted to eliminate him? Are we like the shepherds, who went in haste to kneel before him in worship and offer him their humble gifts? Or are we indifferent?

REFLECTION: During this season, we are called to invite the Child Jesus more deeply in our hearts. Imagine the scene of the Nativity or take a look at a Nativity set. Ponder the Child Jesus. Who are you before him? What can you do to welcome him? Who are you before today's children? What more can you do to be more merciful?

IN SEARCH OF SECURITY

Almost every day the television and papers carry news of refugees fleeing from hunger, war, and other grave dangers, in search of security and a dignified life for themselves and for their families.

Therefore, as we fix our gaze on the Holy Family of Nazareth, as they were forced to become refugees, let us think of the tragedy of those migrants and refugees who are victims of rejection and exploitation, who are victims of human trafficking and of slave labor. --- Angelus, December 29, 2013

REFLECTION: The corporal works of mercy instruct us to thelp the homeless and the imprisoned. Pope Francis speaks of many modern forms of slavery in our world today --- people who are held in bondage in some way and who don't have a real home. Pray for these people, but also explore ways that you can help relieve their suffering.

A DAWN OF NEW LIFE

The feast of St. Stephen is in full harmony wit the deeper meaning of Christmas. In martyrdom, in fact, violence is conquered by love, death by life. The Church sees in the sacrifice of the martyrs their "birth into heaven." Therefore, today we celebrate the "birth" of Stephen, which in its depths springs from the birth of Christ. Jesus transforms the death of those who love him into the dawn of new life! --- Angelus, December 26, 2013

REFLECTION: What death, sin, pain, or suffering do you see around you? How can you live out the deeper meaning of Christmas in these situations.

HE HAS SHARED OUR JOURNEY

Christmas

[Jesus] has entered our history; he has shared our journey. He came to free us from darkness and to grant us light. In him was revealed the grace, the mercy, and the tender love of the father. Jesus is Love incarnate. He is not simply a teacher of wisdom, he is not an ideal for which we strive while knowing that we are hopelessly distant from it. He is the meaning of life and history, who has pitched his tent in our midst. -- Homily, December 24, 2013

REFLECTION: Because God became man, he has endured the struggles, fears, and questions that we endure. He has experienced pain as we'be experienced pain. He has shared our journey. This knowledge can help us receive his mercy with gratitude, knowing that Jesus also looked to the mercy of his Father. Think about the meaning of Christmas and let it give you inspiration and hope for the future.

DO NOT BE AFRAID

Christmas Eve

On this night, let us share the joy of the Gospel: God loves us, he so loves us that he gave us his Son to be our brother, to be light in our darkness. To us the Lord repeats: "Do not be afraid!" Luke 2:10 As the angels said to the shepherds: "Do not be afraid!: And I also repeat to all of you: Do not be afraid!

Our Father is patient, he loves us, he gives us Jesus to guide us on the way which leads to the promised land. Jesus is the light who brightens the darkness. He is mercy: our Father always forgives us. He is our peace.--- Homily, December 24, 2013

REFLECTION: When you are fearful where do you turn? What brings you peace? Take the fears you have right now and give them to God. Practice turning to God throughout the day when life causes you to worry and fear.

LOVE AND ADORE HIM

Above all else, this is what Christmas bids us to do: give glory to God, for he is good, he is faithful, he is merciful. Today I voice my hop-e that everyone will come to know the true face of God, the Father who has given us Jesus. My hope is that everyone will find God's closeness, live in his presence, love him and adore him. --- Urbi et Orbi, December 25, 2013

REFLECTION: Christmas is a busy season. We can get caught up in the presents, the decorations, and all the events and parties. Take some time to pray in gratitude to God. Tell him all the things you are thankful for. Especially tell him how thankful you are for the gift of his mercy in sending hsi Son into the world.

THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Reading the Scriptures also makes it clear that the Gospel is not merely about our personal relationship with God. Nor should our loving response to God be seen simply as an accumulation of small personal gestures to individuals in need, a kind of "charity ala carte," or a series of acts aimed solely at easing our conscience.

The Gospel is about the kingdom of God (cf. Lk 4:43); it is about loving God who reigns in our world. To the extent that he reigns within us, the life of society will be a setting for universal fraternity, justice, peace, and dignity. --- Evangelii Gaudium

REFLECTION: Over what part of your life does God still need to reign? What area of your life do you still try to control? Where do you hold back because you are afraid of having God in charge? Turn to his mercy to give you the grace to make him the Lord of everything.

THE DEFINITIVE WORD

How much pain and desperation are caused by self-centeredness which gradually takes the form of envy, selfishness, competition, and the thirst for power and money! At times, it seems that these realities are destined to have the upper hand.

Christmas, on the other hand, inspires in us Christians, the certainty that the final, definitive word belongs to the Prince of Peace, who changes "swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks" (cf. IS 2:4) transforming selfishness into self-giving and revenge into forgiveness ....

Christians are called to give witness to God's love and mercy. We must never cease to do good, even when it is difficult and demanding. --- Address, January 13, 2014

REFLECTION: Jesus' coming radically changes the world. Most important, this act of mercy is supposed to change our hearts. where is it difficult and demanding for you to do good right now? Is it with a co-worker? Is it in a relationship with a relative? How can you witness to God's love in these situations.

CHANGE MY HEART

"Well! Father, I am a sinner, I have tremendous sins, how can I possibly feel part of the Church?" Dear brother, dear sister, this is exactly what the Lord wants, that you say to him: "Lord, here I am, with my sins." Is one of you here without sin? Anyone? No one; not one of us .We all carry our sins with us. But the Lord wants to hear us say to him: "Forgive me, help me to walk, change my heart!" And the Lord can change your heart. --- General Audience, October 2, 2013

REFLECTION: Do you believe that the Lord can change your heart? Think of what you struggle with the most. Offer this to God. He is waiting for you. Pray to him: "Forgive me, help me to walk, change my heart."

CLOAKED IN THE MERCY AND LOVE OF GOD

Dear friends, Psalm 34 tells us to pray like this: "This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them" (vv. 6-7). Let us ask the Lord for the grace to unite our voice to that of the poor, to welcome the gift of fear of the Lord, and to be able to recognize ourselves, together with them, as cloaked in the mercy and love of God, who is our Father, our data. ---- General Audience, June 11, 2014

REFLECTION: Read Psalm 34. Use Pope Francis' words for your meditation, what is God saying to you? What should you do as a result?

YOUR FIRST JOB

Prayer is the first job of your community, and it consists in listening to the Word of God --- This bread, the bread that gives us strength, that lets us go forward --- but also in turning our eyes to him: "Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed," says the Psalm (34:5). He who sees the Lord, sees others. --- Address to the Sant[Egidio Community, June 15, 2014

REFLECTION: Does your prayer life increase your ability to see others? If you want to reach others, do you pray for the ability to do so?

IT'S AN AWFUL SIGN!

The care given to the elderly, like that of children, is an indicator of the quality of a community. When the elderly are tossed aside, when the elderly are isolated and sometimes fade away due to a lack of care, it's an awful sign! How nice instead is that alliance between young and old...where everyone gives and receives! --- Address to the Sant'Egidio Community, June 15, 2014

REFLECTION: When is the last time that you visited a nursing home? There are so many elderly who don't receive visits from anyone. Take time this Sunday to visit, even for a few minutes. Teach others about this great act of mercy by taking someone with you.

WISHES NO ONE TO BE LOST

Christ embraces all of humanity and wishes no one to be lost. "For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him." (John 3:17) He does it without oppressing or constraining anyone to open to him the doors of heart and mind....

Every activity therefore must be distinguished by an attitude of service to persons, especially those furthest away and less known. Service is the soul of that fraternity that build up peace. --- World Day of Peace Message, January 1, 2014

REFLECTION: Who have you condemned? Who do you ignore? Humans can be quick to dismiss others, but God continues to offer his mercy to everyone. How can you take on the mercy of God? Who do you need to server?

THE VIRGIN OF GUADALUPE

When the image of the Virgin appeared on the tilma of Juan Diego, it was the prophecy of an embrace: Mary's embrace of all the people of the vast expanses of America --- the people who already lived there, and those who were yet to com.

Mary's embrace showed what America - North and South - is called to be: a land where difference peoples come together; a land prepared to accept human life at every stage, from the mother's womb to old age; a land which welcomes immigrants, and the poor and the marginalized, in every age. A land of generosity. --- General Audience, December 11, 2013

REFLECTION: Mary's appearance in Mexico was a great act of mercy and a wonderful symbol of God's embrace. How can you live out Mary's embrace, especially in relation to immigrants? What practical step can you take to learn more about the Church's teaching regarding the care of immigrants, the poor, and the marginalized?

WE FEEL AT PEACE

[Forgiveness] reminds us that we can truly be at peace only if we allow ourselves to be reconciled, in the Lord Jesus, with the Father, and with the brethren. And we have all felt this in our hearts, when we have gone to confession with a soul weighed down and with a little sadness, and when we receive Jesus' forgiveness, we feel at peace, with that peace of soul which is so beautiful, and which only Jesus can give, only him. --- General Audeience, February 19, 2014

REFLECTION: Do you want true peace? Examine your life. Where have you sinned against God? Where have you sinned against others? Turn to the Lord for forgiveness. He can give the inner peace that you are looking for.

i WILL GIVE YOU REST

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Mt 11:28). When Jesus says this, he has before him the people he meets every day on the streets of Galilee: very many simple people, the poor, the sick, sinners, those who are marginalized.... These people, always followed him to hear his word --- a word that gave hope! Jesus' words always give hope. --- Angelus, July 6, 2014

REFLECTION: What helps you see beyond your current situation or your moments of suffering? God's mercy is always trying to find you. It's always trying to reach you. Be open to allowing him to meet you. Let him give you hope.

ENCOUNTER THE MERCY OF GOD

The Church enables us the mercy of God which transforms us, for in her Jesus Christ is present, who has given her the true confession of faith, the fullness of the sacramental life, and the authenticity of the ordained ministry. In the Church, each one of us finds what is needed to believe, to live as Christians, to become holy and to journey to every place and through every age. --- General Audience, October 9, 2013

REFLECTION: What's your relationship with the Church like? The Church is a vessel of God's mercy here on earth. Thry to become more involved in your parish this next month.

ROOM FOR ALL MEN AND WOMEN

As far as faith, the hinge of the Christian life, is concerned, the Mother of God shared our condition...Our Pilgrimage of faith has been inseparably linked to Mary ever since Jesus dying on the cross, gave her to us as our mother saying, "Behold your mother!" John 19:27

These words serve as a testament, bequeathing to the world a mother. From that moment on , the Mother of God also became our mother!....Her sorrowing heart was enlarged to make room for all men and women, all, whether good or bad, and she loves them as she loved Jesus.

REFLECTION: In the hour of his death, the hour of his great mercy, Jesus gave us Mary to be our mother. What role does Mary play in your life? Is she important? Are you indifferent? Do you need to learn more about her? Mary wants to be your mother. She wants to help you know and love Jesus more. Oen up your life to her even in a small way.

BECOME SMALL

If God, in the Christmas mystery, reveals himself not as One who remains on high and dominates the universe, but as the One who bends down, descends to the little and poor earth, it means that, to be like him, we should not put ourselves above others, but indeed lower ourselves, place ourselves at the service of others, become small with the small and poor with the poor.

It is regrettable to see a Christian who does not want to lower himself, who does not want to serve. A Christian who struts about is ugly; this is not Christian, it is pagan. The Christian serves, he lowers himself. ---- General Audience, December 18, 2013

REFLECTION: The attitude of mercy is an attitude of service. During the Advent and Christmas season, we can easily fall into the mindset of Whats in it for me? How can you continue to serve others this season in all things?

IMPOSSIBLE TO PERSEVERE

It is impossible to persevere in a fervent evangelization unless we are convinced from personal experience that it is not the same thing to have known Jesus as not to have known him, not the same thing to walk with him as to walk blindly, not the same thing to hear his word as not to know it, and not the same thing to contemplate him, to worship him, to find our peace in him, as not to.

It is not the same thing to try to build the world with his Gospel as to try to do so by our own lights. --- Evangelii Gaudium

REFLECTION: Is your life different because of Jesus? How and to what extent? In what ways do you need to change in order to walk more closely with him? What priorities do you need to rearrange?

DO WE PRAY FOR THE CHURCH?

Do we pray for the Church? For the whole church? It is easy to for us to pray when we ave need of something, or to than the Lord for something we have been given.[But we don't always remember] to pray for the Church, for those we don't know but who are our brothers and sisters because they have received the same baptism, and to say to the Lord, "They are yours, they are ours, protect them." --- Homily, Domus Sanctae Marthae, April 30, 2013

REFLECTION: To pray for others is a great act of mercy. When we do , we remove ourselves from the center of attention and put others first. Who needs prayer right now in the world? Pray on behalf of those who come to mind.

CONFIDENT ABANDONMENT

A person tends to die as he has lived. If my life has been a journey with the Lord, a journey of trust in his immense mercy, I will e prepared to accept the final moment of my earthly life as the definitive, confident, abandonment into his welcoming hands, awaiting the face-to-face contemplation of his face.

REFLECTION: Is you life a journey with the Lord? Do you sometimes leave him behind? When in your life do you do this and why? No matter where you are in your journey with God, abandon yourself to his mercy and resolve to follow him more closely.

ON A PILGRIMAGE

On the First Sunday of Advent, we begin a new liturgical year; that is, a new journey of the People of God with Jesus Christ, our Shepherd, who guides us through history toward the fulfillment of the kingdom of God. But where are we journeying? Is there a common goal? And what is the goal?...

[Jesus] is both guide and goal of our pilgrimage with Jesus. Ask Jesus to help you make goals and to be your guide. How often will you pray? What practical steps will you take? Build the kingdom of justice with him.

REFLECTION: This Advent, go on a pilgrimage with Jesus. Ask Jesus to help you make goals and to be your guide. How often will you pray? What practical steps will you take? Build the kingdom of justice with him.

DO YOU REALLY WANT TO BE HAPPY?

Tell me: Do you really want to be happy?....If you are really open to the deepest aspirations of your hearts, you will realize that you possess an unquenchable thirst for happiness, and this will allow you to expose and reject the :low cost: offers and approaches all around you.

When we look only for success, pleasure, and possissions, and we turn these into idols, we may well have moments of exhilaration, and possessions, and we turn these into idols, we may well have moments of exhilaration, an illusory sense of satisfaction, but ultimately we become enslaved, never satisfied, always looking for more. --- World Youth Day Message, April 13, 2014

REFLECTION: What "low cost" offers do you accept instead of God's mercy? What idols stand in our way? Do you want to be happy? Find ways to choose God over easy solutions. Don't be afraid to make a radical decision to make this possible.

IN HUMILITY HE REVEALED HIMSELF

The story of Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, is remarkable. In order to be healed of leprosy, he turns to the prophet of God, Elisha, who does not perform magic or demand anything unusual of him, but asks him simply to trust in God and to wash in the waters of the river. Not, however, in one of the great rives of Damascus, but in the little stream of the Jordan. Naaman is left surprised, even taken aback. What kind of God is this who asks for something so simple? He wants to turn back, but then he goes ahead, he immerses himself in the Jordan, and is immediately healed (cf. 2 Kg 5:1-4).

There it is: God surprises us: It is precisely in poverty, in weakness, and in humility that he reveals himself and grants us his love, which saves us, heals us, and gives us strength. He asks us only to obey his work and to trust in him. --- Homily, October 13, 2013

REFLECTION: The Lord is calling you to trust in his mercy for healing in you life. Where in you life do you need this the most? How will you respond to his healing touch this week?

ULTIMATE THANKSGIVING

Jesus' gesture at the Last Supper is the ultimate thanksgiving to the Father for his love, for his mercy. "Thanksgiving," in Greek, is expressed as "eucharist". And that is why the Sacrament is call the Eucharist: it is the supreme thanksgiving to the Father, who so loved us that he gave us his Son out of love. This is why the term Eucharist includes the whole of the act, which is the act of God and man together, the act of Jesus Christ, true God and true Man.

REFLECTION: In the Eucharist, we are able to encounter God's mercy in the flesh. Right now, thank God for this great gift. Ask him to open your heart wider to receive the Eucharist with a more grateful heart.

RECOGNIZE THE SUFFERING CHRIST

Jesus, the evangelizer par excellence and the Gospel in person, identifies especially with the little ones (cf. Mt 25:40).... It is essential to draw near to new forms of poverty and vulnerability, in which we are called to recognize the suffering Christ, even if this appears to bring us no tangible and immediate benefits. I think of the homeless, the addicted, refugees, indigenous peoples, the elderly who are increasingly isolated and abandoned, and many others. --- Evangelii Gaudium

REFLECTION: We can often dismiss the poor because we don't think our actions will change anything. We so often want to help only if we know we are making a difference. What ways can you give without expectations of success?

LIVING WITH JOY

And so, let us ask ourselves: How is it possible to live the joy which comes from faith, in the family today? But I ask you also, Is it possible to live this joy, or is it not possible? A saying of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew speaks to us: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (11:28). --- Address, Pilgrimage of Families, October 26 2013

REFLECTION: To live with joy and to give joy to others is a great act of mercy. Who needs your joy today? Turn to the Lord to recharge your joy in him.

SERENE HAPPINESS

Let us ask Our Lady to give us the grace to endure with patience and to overcome with love. How many people --- so many old people --- have taken this path! And it is beautiful to see them: they have that beautiful countenance, that serene happiness. They do not say much, but have a patient heart, a heart filled with love. They know what forgiving enemies means, they know what it is to pray for enemies. So many Christians are like that. --- Homily, Domus Sanctae Marthae, May 24, 2013

REFLECTION: Do you have a patient heart? Are you able to over come with love and a serene happiness? Examine your life and find one area where you need to overcome difficulties with patience. Ask God for the grace to be merciful.

THE GRACE TO BE DISCIPLES AND MISSIONARIES

And this is what baptism works in us: it gives us grace and hands on the faith to us....Everyone: the littlest on is also a missionary; and the one who seems to be the greatest is the disciple.

But one of you might say, "Bishops are not disciples, bishops know everything; the pope knows everything, he is not a disciple." No, the bishops and the pope must also be disciples, because if they are not disciples, they do no good. They cannot be missionaries, they cannot transmit the faith. We must all be disciples and missionaries. ---- General Audience, January 15, 2014

REFLECTION: We must respond to the grace and mercy received in our baptism by being missionary disciples. In what ways are you a disciple and a missionary? Where can you improve? What is God calling you to do?

WE ARE ALL POOR

A pilgrim is a person who makes himself poor and sets forth on a journey .... We can never think ourselves self-sufficient, masters of our own lives. We cannot be content with remaining withdrawn, secure in our convictions.

Before the mystery of God we are all poor. We realize that we must constantly be prepared to go out from ourselves docile to God's call and open to the future that he wishes to create for us. ---- Address, Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, May 25, 2014

REFLECTION: We are all pilgrims on a journey toward the future. Travel always brings the unexpected, but if we are docile to God;'s call, we need not fear. Where are you on your journey of life? Are you relying on God's mercy? Stumbling? Tentative about the next step? Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you.

RUNNING IN VAIN?

When St. Paul approached the apostles in Jerusalem to discern whether he was "running in vain" (Gal 2:2), the key criterion of authenticity which they presented was that he should not forget the authenticity which they presented was that he should not forget the poor (cf. Gal 2:10)... We may not always be able to reflect adequately the beauty of the Gospel, but there is one sign which we should never lack: the option for those who are the least, those whom society discards. --- Evangeli Gaudium

REFLECTION: What does it meant to have an option for the least? How would your life be different if you preferred to serve the least?

THE QUICKSAND OF SIN

"You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemies." But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Mt 5:43-33). Jesus asks those who would follow him to love those who do not deserve it, without expecting anything in return, and in this way to fill the emptiness present in human hearts, relationships, families, communities, and in the entire world....

Christ came to save us, to show us the way, the only way out of the quicksand of sin, and this way of holiness is mercy, that mercy which he has shown, and daily continues to show, to us. To be a saint is not a luxury. It is necessary for the salvation of the world. This is what the Lord is asking of us. ---- Homily, February 23, 2014

REFLECTION: What does it meant that the "way of holiness is mercy"? How is the Lord asking you to follow this path? Where is he leading you?

A WEAK FRAGILE SINNER

What can I, a weak fragile sinner, do? God says to you: do not be afraid of holiness, do not be afraid to aim high, to let yourself be loved and purified by God, do not be afraid to let yourself be guided by the Holy Spirit. Let us be infected by the holiness of God .... It is the meeting of weakness with the strength of his grace; it is having faith in his action that allows us to live in charity, to do everything with joy and humility, for the glory of God and as a service to our neighbor. -- General Audience, October 2, 2013

REFLECTION: Do you have a desire to be a saint? Not matter where you are in your spiritual life, open your heart to God's mercy and love. Do not be afraid of your own weaknesses or of what God may ask of you He straightens every "weak fragil sinner" who turns to him.

WE NEED TO BE SAVED

Dear friends, the Gospel does not only concern religion. It concerns man, the whole of man; it concerns the world, society, and human civilization. The Gospel of God's message of salvation for mankind.

When we say "message of salvation," this is not simply a way of speaking, these are not mere words or empty words like so many today. Mankind truly needs to be saved! We see it every day when we flip through newspapers or watch the news on television; but we also see it around us, in people, in situations; and we see it in ourselves! Each one of us needs to be saved! We cannot do it alone! We need to be saved! --- Address, Meeting with Young People, October 4, 2013

REFLECTION: Do you believe that you need to be saved? Are you striving to get yourself and everyone you know to heaven? What does it look like to make the message of salvation more of a priority in your life?

AS PRODIGAL SONS

Be brave! Respond to the love of God with enthusiasm, as beloved children: respond with trust with trust when you return to the merciful Father as prodigal sons. Rejoice always for the grace of being children of God, and bring this joy to the world.

REFLECTION: We are able to trust as prodigal sons and daughters because we have experienced God's mercy and continue to be grateful for it. Are you grateful for God's mercy: Do you take it for granted? Gratitude can make a hug difference in you relationship with God.

INDIFFERENCE

Indifference: Human indifference causes the needy so much pain! And worse, the indifference of Christians! On the fringes of society so many men and women are tried by indigence, but also by dissatisfaction with life and by frustration. So many are forced to emigrate from their homeland, risking their lives. Many more, every day, carry the weight of an economic system that exploits human beings, imposing of them an unbearable "yoke," which the few privilege do not want to bear.

To each of these children of the Father in heaven, Jesus repeats, "Come to me, all of you." But he also says it to those who have everything, but whose heart is empty and without God. Even to them children of the Father in heaven, Jesus addresses this invitation, "Come to me." Jesus' invitation is for everyone. But especially for those who suffer the most. --- Angelus, July 6, 2014

REFLECTION: Where are you indifferent? Where have you lost the ability to love? What can help you wake up fro considering only your needs and wants?

GOD PREFERS THE MARGINS

Starting from Galilee, Jesus teaches us that no one is excluded from the salvation of God, rather it is from the margins that God prefers to begin, from the least, so as to reach everyone. He teaches us a method, his method, which also expresses the content, which is the Father's mercy. --- Angelus, January 26, 2014

REFLECTION: Jesus' Gospel and his mercy always seem to turn everything upside down. The rich are made lowly while the poor are raised up. The important are insignificant while the least are exalted. In what areas of life does your perspective need to change to reflect God's perspective? How can you see with his eyes.

FORWARD WITHOUT FEAR

We mus no grow weary, then, of keeping watch over our thoughts and out attitudes, in order that we may be given even now a foretaste of the warmth and splendor of God's face --- ant this will be beautiful --- which in external life we shall contemplate in all its fullness.

Forward, thinking of this judgment which begins now, which has already begun. Forward, doing so in such a way that our hearts open to Jesus and to his salvation; forward without fear, for Jesus' love is greater, and if we ask forgiveness for our sins, he will forgive us. This is what Jesus is like. Forward then with this certainty, which will bring us to the glory of heaven@ --- General Audience, December 11, 2013

REFLECTION: Benedict Abbot Boniface Wimmer once said: "Forward,always forward, everywhere forward! We must not be held back by debts, bad years or by difficulties of the time. Man's adversity is God's opportunity." Where is God asking you to move forward to be more merciful? What is holding you back?

WITNESS WITH JOY

We reject him too many times, we prefer to remain closed in our errors and the anxiety of our sins. But Jesus does not desist and never ceases to offer himself and his grace which saves us!...

This is a message of hope, a message of salvation, ancient and ever new. And we are called to witness with joy to this message of the Gospel of Life, to the Gospel of light, of hope and of love. --- Angelus, January 5 2014

REFLECTION: When we remain closed in on ourselves, we often cannot fully receive God's mercy. Consider the ways in which anxiety for your sins and anxiety in general close you in on yourself and block the work of God's mercy in your life. What's one way you can lay aside anxiety this week so that you can be a witness to other?

WONDERFULLY COMPLICATED

Jesus wants us to touch human misery, to touch the suffering flesh of others. He hopes that we will stop looking for those personal or communal niches which shelter us from the maelstrom of human misfortune and instead enter into the reality of others people's lives and know the power of tenderness. Whenever we do so, our lives become wonderfully complicated. --- Evangelii Guadium

REFLECTION: The seven corporal works of mercy are: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead. It's easy to dismiss taking on one of these because they can inconvenience us and make us uncomfortable. But this is what encountering the poor is all about. Are you willing to have your life become wonderfully complicated?

SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN

Christ, who told us to forgive one another "seventy times seven" (Mt 18:22), has given us his example: he has forgiven us seventy times seven.. Time and again he bears us on his shoulders. No one can strip us of the dignity bestowed upon us by this boundless and unfailing love.

With a tenderness which never disappoints, but is always capable of restoring our joy, he makes it possible for us to lift up our heads and to start anew. Let us not flee from the resurrection of Jesus, let us never give u, come what will. --- Evangelii Gaudium

REFLECTION: Do you want to be free from grudges? Are you consumed by what others have done to you? The solution is to turn to Jesus' mercy. He has forgiven us, even when we didn't deserve it. He can give you the power to forgive others as well.

SHOW YOUR ALMIGHTY POWER

[One of the opening prayer at Mass says] something that might go unnoticed...."Father, you show your almighty power in your mercy and forgiveness."

God's power is so great that it is greater than the power he had to create the world. It is the power to forgive. But in order for him to do so, we need to make room for him. We need to open our hearts so that he can enter with his mercy and forgiveness. --- Homily on the Forty-third Anniversary of the Community of Sant'Egidio, September 24, 2011, Only Love Can Save us

REFLECTION: It can be so easy to take God's forgiveness for granted. It is a sign of his power that he is able to remove the stain of sin and guilt from our lives, but only if we let him. Pope Francis asks you to make room for God in your lives. What does that mean to your?

NOT TO CONDEMN THE WORLD

"God sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God" (Jn 3:17-18).... Thus judgment is pronounced at every moment of life, as it sums up our faith in the salvation which is present and active in Christ, or of our unbelief, whereby we close in upon ourselves. But if we close ourselves to the love of Jesus, we condemn ourselves. -- General Audience, December 11, 2013

REFLECTION: We don't have to wait for God's mercy. He is waiting for us to turn to him and ask. He doesn't condemn us; he wants to save us, if we believe. Open yourself up even more to the love of Jesus. Move forward confident of his love for you.

yes

MUST RING OUT OVER AND OVER

The fire of the Spirit is given in the form of tongues and leads us to believe in Jesus Christ who, by his death and resurrection, reveals and communicates to us the Father's infinite mercy. On the lips of the catechist the first proclamation must ring out over and over:"Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen, and free you. ---- Evangelii Gaudium

REFLECTION: If we are to tell others this message about Jesus, we must first believe it ourselves. Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen, and free you. Do you believe this?

KEEPING THE WINDOW OPEN

God always surprises us! It is God who calls, however, it is important to have a daily relationship with him, to listen to him in silence before the tabernacle and deep within ourselves, to speak with him, to draw near to the sacraments. Having this familiar relationship with the Lord is like keeping the window of out lives open so that he can make us hear his voice and hear what he wants us to do. --- Address, Meeting with Young People, October 4, 2013

REFLECTION: Are your open to God's surprises? When you receive the Lord's grace and mercy in the Sacrament, do you talk with him? Do you ask to hear his voice? Soften your heart to God's call and be receptive to what he asks.

I need prayers! Prayers warriors please keep me in your prayers.

I am a Catholic, I teach in Catholic school - I believe, I do believe!

Amen!

THE FABRIC OF SOCIETY

Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is nothing else than the culmination of the way he lived his entire life. Moved by his example, we want to enter fully into the fabric of society, sharing the lives of all, listening to their concerns, helping them materially and spiritually in their needs, rejoicing with those who rejoice, weeping with those who weep; arm in arm with others,we are committed to building a new world. --- Evangelii Gaudium

REFLECTION: What does living out Jesus' mercy on the cross look like on a practical level each day? How does it change your attitude? Your look? Your smile? Your speech? Ask yourself if you're living in isolation or walking "arm in arm with others."

ALL THOSE WHO FEEL UNLOVED

We have to remember all those who feel unloved, who have no hope for the future, and who have given up on life out of discouragement, disappointment, or fear. We have to learn to be on the side of the poor, and not just indulge in rhetoric about the poor! Let us go out to meet them, look into their eyes,and listen to them. The poor provide us with a concrete opportunity to encounter Christ himself, and to touch his suffering flesh. -- World Youth Day Message,. April 13, 2014

REFLECTION: In the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 25, Jesus reminds us that whatever we do to the least, we do to Jesus as well. A personal encounter with the poor gives us a deep encounter with Our Lord and his mercy. We understand how poor we truly are! When is the next time you can encounter the poor? Where can you volunteer?

TOGETHER WITH MARY

Together et us pray to the Virgin Mary, that she helps us ...to walk in faith and charity, ever trusting in the Lord's mercy; he always awaits us, loves us, has pardoned us with his blood and pardons us every time we go to him to ask his forgiveness. Let us trust in his mercy! ---- Regina Caeli, Divine Mercy Sunday, April 7, 2013

REFLECTION: Mary stood by Jesus' side as he suffered and died for you. Implore her to help you understand and receive the love and mercy Jesus has for you.

WHERE IS MY HEART ANCHORED?

Let us think about the passing away of so many of our brothers and sisters who have preceded us, let us thin about the evening of our life, when it will come. And let us think about our hearts and ask, ourselves: "Where is my heart anchored?" If it not firmly anchored, let us anchor beyond, on that shore, knowing that hope does not disappoint because the Lord Jesus does not disappoint. --- Homily, November 1, 2013

REFLECTION: Are our lives anchored in the hope of mercy that comes with the Resurrection? Do we live our lives as if this is true? Consider where your hope lies and re-anchor your life in Christ if you have found that you have been drifting away.

WHAT WILL MY PASSING AWAY BE LIKE?

Feast of All Souls

Today, before evening falls, each of us can think of the twilight of life: "What will my passing be like?" All of us will experience sundown, All of us! Do we look at it with hope? Do we look with that joy at being welcomed by the Lord? This is a Christian thought that gives us hope. Today is a day of joy; however, it is serene and tranquil joy, a peaceful joy. --- Homily, November 1, 2013

REFLECTION: Praying for the living and the dead is one of the spiritual works of mercy. Take some time to pray for those who have died, and consider your own death. Is your perspective toward death one of hope or dread?

THIS IS THE LIFE OF A SAINT

Feast of All Saints

The saints are not supermen, nor were they born perfect. They are like us, like each one of us. They are people who, before reaching the glory of heaven, lived normal lives with joys and sorrows, struggles and hope. What changed their lives? When they recognized God's love, they followed it with all their heart without reserve or hypocrisy. They spent their lives serving others, they endured suffering and adversity without hatred and responded to evil with good, spreading joy and peace. This is the life of a saint. --- Angelus, November 1, 2013

REFLECTION: Do your find it hard to relate to the saints? So often we only read or hear about their accomplishments and not their struggles Read about St. Gianna Molla or Blessed Pier Giorgio for insight into how they overcame sin and weaknesses by relying on God's grace.

PLUNGED INTO THE DEEP

It is true that ... trust in the unseen can cause us to feel disoriented: it is like being plunged into the deep and not knowing what we will find. I myself have frequently experienced this. Yet there is no greater freedom than that of allowing oneself to be guided by the Holy Spirit, renouncing the attempt to plan and control everything to the last detail, and instead letting him enlighten, guide, and direct us, leading us wherever he wills.

The Holy Spirit knows well what is needed in every time and place. This is what it means to be mysteriously fruitful.

REFLECTION: Trusting in God's mercy means giving ourselves over to a God who knows what's best for us. Where do you struggle with giving over control? Give this area over to God and trust that he will guide and direct you.

THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE COMPLETE

Dear families, the Lord knows our struggles he knows them. He knows the burdens we have in our lives. But the Lord also knows our great desire to find joy and rest! Do you remember? Jesus said: "... that your joy may be complete" (cf. Jn 15:11) Jesus wants our joy to be complete! He said this to the apostles, and today he says it to us. --- Address, Pilgrimage of Families, October 26, 2013

REFLECTION: Take some time to think about all of your family members. Jesus wants each to be happy and to receive his mercy. Pray to God on their behalf, that they might come to know him more deeply so that their joy may be complete.

DO NOT WATCH LIFE GO BY FROM THE BALCONY

Whoever does not face challenges, whoever does not take up challenges,is not living. Your willingness and your abilities, combined with the power of the Holy Spirit who abides in each of us from the day of baptism, allow you to be more than mere spectators, they allow you to be protagonists in contemporary events.

Please do not watch life go by from the balcony! Mingle where the challenges are calling your to help carry life and development forward, in the struggle over human dignity, in the fight against poverty, in the battle for values, and in the many battles we encounter each day. --- Homily, November 30, 2013

REFLECTION: What challenges are you facing right now? Are you a mere spectator? Or are you moving forward? Ask God for the strength to help you overcome what you are facing. Turn to his mercy and receive his strength throughout the day when faced with your trials.

PEOPLE'S THIRST FOR GOD

Today, our challenge is not to much atheism as the need to respond adequately to many people's thrist for God, lest they try to satisfy with alienating solutions or with a disembodied Jesus who demands nothing of us with regard to others. Unless these people find in the Church a spirituality which can offer healing and liberation, and fill them with life and peace, while at the same time summoning them to fraternal communion and missionary fruitfulness, they will end up being taken in by solutions which neither make life truly human nor give glory to God. --- Evanelii Guadium

REFLECTION: Do you know any atheists? How do you think they will fin healing and liberation? God has placed you in their lives for a reason. Help them see how God's mercy has changed your life.

AUTHENTIC PRAYER

The Gospel passage [Lk 18:9-14] speaks about two ways of praying, one is false -- that of the Pharisee --- and the other is authentic -- that of the tax collector. The Pharisee embodies an attitude which does not express thanksgiving to God for his blessings and his mercy, but rather self-satisfaction. The Pharisee feels himself justified, he feels his life is in order, be boasts of this, and he judges others from his pedestal.

The tax collector, on the other hand, does not multiply words. His prayer is humble, sober, pervaded by a consciousness of his own unworthiness, of his own needs. Here is a man who truly realizes that he needs God's forgiveness and his mercy.

REFLECTION: What does it mean for your prayer to be authentic? How can you prayer be humble,sober, and filled with gratitude? Take some time to make a simple and authentic prayer to God. Include the ways in which you are thankful and where you need help.