The Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy was opened on 8 December 2015 by Pope Francis. It is the Pope’s desire that the Church will become ‘steeped in mercy, so that we go out to every man and woman, bringing the goodness and tenderness of God!’ (Bull of Indiction, 5) This is because Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy, so we need constantly to contemplate the mystery of mercy. Our salvation depends on this Mercy as it is a wellspring of joy, serenity, and peace.

 

Mercy is also the very mystery of the Most Holy Trinity. It is the ultimate and supreme act by which God comes to meet us. It is also the fundamental law that dwells in the heart of every person who looks sincerely into the eyes of his brothers and sisters on the path of life. Mercy is the bridge that connects God and man, opening our hearts to the hope of being loved forever despite our sinfulness. (Bull of indiction, 2) Let us become attentive to this mercy so that we can be witnesses of God’s mercy and compassion to the world.