Year Of Mercy Evening Of Reflection
All of us, at one time or another, have had the experience of having our hearts “burning within us” as someone was telling a story or relating an experience. This happened to the disciples when walking to Emmaus after the death of Jesus. Their hearts were moved deeply as Jesus explained the Scriptures to them. Their hearts were moved by a stranger.
I can remember going to Sunday School and the sisters telling powerful stories of Jesus that made my heart burn within me. I felt like I was there in the story and that Sister was speaking to me alone. Through the years the proclamation of Scripture, hearing a transforming personal story, a song, a play or a poem can have the same effect.
Several years ago I, along with other catechetical leaders from the Diocese, had the opportunity to experience ValLimar Jansen at a national catechetical conference. ValLimar describes herself as a singer, songwriter, cantor, college professor and catechist. She connects faith with music and drama to bring hope and light and new ways of understanding the Gospel message. Those of us attending the conference found ValLimar to be one of those people who made our “hearts burn within us.”
ValLimar has the ability to combine Scripture, music and storytelling in a way that creates a new experience of the Word of God and the message of Scripture. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. CT on Aug. 26, ValLimar will share her gifts with all who long to have their hearts expanded. She will reflect with us on the meaning of Mercy during an Evening of Reflection on Mercy at St. Benedict Cathedral. We will conclude by 8 p.m. CT.
This free event is open to the public. Please join us, and invite your family, friends and co-workers. A free will offering will be taken to benefit organizations that serve the Diocese of Evansville, including Catholic Charities.
During this Year of Mercy, we have been highly attuned to experiences of mercy in our lives and the lives of others. We have heard the Scriptures in a new way with our hearts open to a compassionate God who is merciful beyond measure. Pope Francis has challenged us to look and experience God as mercy. We continue to probe this image of God as we make decisions, see the world, understand creation and approach one another.
The Year of Mercy has heightened our awareness of mercy in our daily lives and in the world. This communal reflection on mercy will strengthen and deepen our call to be mercy to one another. Mercy – God’s presence in the midst of chaos – opens our eyes to see the chaos of life and accompany each other in that chaos with compassion rather than judgment. Mercy expands our hearts to embrace one another.
We become people of mercy by practicing acts of mercy. The Church teaches that the corporal and spiritual works of mercy are strong practices for becoming merciful. Listening to the stories of others with a heart open to seeing this person in a new way builds empathy. Praying the Scriptures and living the Paschal Mystery leads one to the overwhelming mercy of God as taught by Jesus in his words and life.
