top of page
Search

Mercy - Gotten and Given

  • a Women's Perspective
  • Oct 27, 2016
  • 2 min read

In my file, labelled My Writing, I found a piece with this title – Mercy – Gotten and Given. I had no recollection of writing the piece, but I looked forward to refreshing my memory of it. Turns out there was not another word written…just the title – a disappointing discovery, but, I took it as a sign that it was time to follow the title up with some thoughts. And, as we near the end of this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, I thought it an appropriate time to give it a go.

This Sunday, and last, the Gospels speak of tax collectors – the lowest of the low, in the eyes of the general public, in Jesus’ time. And yet, the tax collector in last Sunday’s Gospel prayed to God in a way that won him favour over that of the Pharisee. This week, another tax collector, Zacchaeus, is at the center of a story being told for our benefit. The first gospel teaching us to pray in a way that is pleasing to God; the second teaching us how to seek out Jesus, pushing past our own limitations and, not only meeting him, but bringing him into our homes.

God’s mercy is such that we don’t even have to meet him half way. We don’t have to do much of anything really, to experience God’s tender mercy, but when we acknowledge our sinfulness; when we make that extra effort to seek God, I believe we increase those spiritual benefits bestowed upon us. And, once received, we must pass them on to others, because, as St. Francis says, it is in giving that we truly receive. So, my take on – Be merciful as the Father is merciful - Luke 6.36 - is simply Mercy – once it’s gotten it must then be given. Pass it on! by Margery Frisch

 
 
 

Recent Posts

See All
Welcome Fr. Paul!

Dear Parishioners, Peace of Christ This little note comes to you to thank you for your welcome that I have so far experienced in this,...

 
 
 
Happy Retirement Fr. Francis Hubilla

This 26th of June at noon time, I will be officially retiring, after more than five years of service and ministry in this parish. When I...

 
 
 
Farewell Fr. David

Dear Parishioners, Today marks my final Sunday at St. Mary’s and the Missions before moving onto St. Mary of the Visitation in Cambridge....

 
 
 
Archive
Search By Tags
Follow Us
  • Facebook Basic Square
  • Twitter Basic Square
  • Google+ Basic Square

St. Mary's and the Missions Parish

tel: 519-376-0778

554-15th Street East

Owen Sound, Ontario

N4K 1X3

bottom of page