Meditations on Mercy - Sunday, May 1st, 2016

Meditations on Mercy – Sunday, May 1, 2016

The Church and the Mercy of God
 

The apostles and elders, in agreement with the whole church,
decided to choose representatives and to send them to…
convey this same message by word of mouth:
"It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us
not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities…"

Acts 15:22-29

 

The holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God…
had twelve courses of stones as its foundation,
on which were inscribed the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Rev 21:10-14, 22-23

What great mercy and love our Lord has shown in providing us with the guidance of His Church, led by the Holy Spirit. The first reading for Sunday, May 1st shows the apostles settling disputes which arose in the early church and determining which rules Christians must follow. The full glory of God’s plan for His Church is revealed in the second reading, with John’s vision of the heavenly City built on the rock foundation of the twelve apostles.

Then, in the Gospel, we hear Jesus’s beautiful promise to dwell with those who keep His word. Yet, knowing we would often fail to keep His word, Jesus gave His Church full authority to determine what is sinful, and also to forgive sins. But Jesus will not force us to accept this great gift of mercy. We must respond by turning to God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, where Jesus longs to pour out His healing love for each of us.

Do not fear; come, and find grace, mercy, and the peace that passes all understanding.

“Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him,

and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him...
My peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”

Jn 14:23,27