Hajja Salesjana - May June 2016

32 The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” — Matthew 9:11–13 God, who is merciful, desires our mercy. Here are 52 ways how to be merciful during the Jubilee Year and beyond. Try randomly selecting one each week and putting it into practice. 1) Resist sarcasm; it is the antithesis of mercy: ”Set, O Lord, a guard over my mouth; keep watch, O Lord, at the door of my lips!” ( Psalm 141:3). 2) Reduce your possessions: share your things with the needy. 3) Call someone who you know is lonely, even if you understand why  they’re lonely. Especially  if you do. 4) Write a letter of forgiveness to someone. If you cannot send it, sprinkle it with holy water, ask Christ Jesus to have mercy on you both and then burn or bury it. 5) Learn to say this prayer: “Dear Lord, bless [annoying person’s name] and have mercy on me!” 6) Plan a mini pilgrimage to a local shrine; make an effort along the way to live the corporal work of mercy of “welcoming the stranger” as Christ. 7) Do something kind and helpful for someone who you don’t get along with, or who has wronged you in some way by word or deed. 52 ways how to be merciful during the Jubilee year of Mercy and always by Ed Sousa Sr.*