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On Pope Francis' favourite words, "Joy and Mercy"...
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Why the Church NEEDS to become Advocates of Joy and Mercy…
Recently, we had our Apostolic Nuncio come and celebrate Mass in the parish. In his homily after the Gospel, he drew our attention to a couple of very important words used by Pope Francis, “Joy” and “Mercy”. While preaching to us, he informed us of the importance of becoming a Church to advocate these two qualities, sharing the Joy of Christ and the Mercy of Christ with others.
Indeed, it is desperately what the Church needs right now. Too many people have a view of a God who will condemn them for their sins, which makes them afraid to surrender to His will, many a time because they believe “the voice of the Lord strikes with thunder and lightning” (Psalm 29:7) and hence, they think they will be struck in the same way. The Truth is much the contrary – God wants to welcome all His children with open arms. In the Gospel of Luke, we see this: “there will be more rejoicing in Heaven over the repentance of one sinner than of 99 righteous men who do not need to repent”. Therefore, it is so important for us to spread the message of Joy and Mercy to all whom we meet in our everyday lives. This is the true spirit of evangelization – not only to lead our lives as an example, but also to share with others the Joy of knowing Christ, and the Mercy of Christ Jesus.
In the recent Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis wrote of the Joy of the Gospel, how, in scripture, there is a constant message to go forth and spread the Good News to others. As believers, we are constantly challenged to “Preach the Gospel, [and] when necessary use words” (St. Francis of Assisi). Every time we have an encounter with Jesus, He tells us to "go" - our faith is not for ourselves or for our own, but to be shared with others.
What more can draw people to the Church but a loving family full of JOY and MERCY? A family with loving kindness and hope, praying together and staying together through the good and the bad? It is time that Catholic families set an example, and instead of being known as the strict kind where there are so many rules that people don’t really understand, let us proclaim the greatness and glory of God – how much He loves us, unconditionally, how much He cares for us, and how, having been loved and cherished by such a good God, we want to share that with others.
In spreading love and joy, we find the true meaning of evangelization.
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About the Author
I am a Catholic convert who wanted to be "at one with God" since the age of three. I became a Catholic officially when I turned 18, in the ‘Year of Faith’ 2013. Since then, I have been so blessed in discovering the wealth of blessings God has in store for me, each and every day, hidden even in the most ordinary of things.
During the course of the pandemic, I was made to re-evaluate many areas of my life, including my own growth, friendships, family relationships and priorities. I believe firmly and truly that God had a reason for all this, and that the Crosses I bear are united to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and that He bears all with me until my final destiny, where He will journey with me through this life, reminding me that I am a mere pilgrim, until I reach Heaven with Him, long though the journey may be, I pray for perseverance, that I may reach the end goal.
I love writing, editing and music, but I also have a special love for Scripture and Canon Law. More than anything though, Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the special love of my life!
I was also closely associated with the Traditional Latin Mass, and yes, I recognise that the Vatican exists and that, as a Catholic, I am under obedience to Holy Mother Church. I very much love the TLM, but I go to both forms of the Mass. All views expressed in my articles are my own and do not necessarily reflect on others who may associate with the Old Rite Masses using the 1962 Missal. As it happens, I currently attend a New Rite Mass at my local parish in London, U.K.
I was in the same Archdiocese as Fr. Andrew Kooi (http://www.catholic365.com/author/fr-andrew-kooi/) while I was an undergraduate, but not the same parish! Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese spans quite a large area!
Feel free to comment on my articles if you have any constructive feedback or suggestions. :)
