The Mercy of God and Yours

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Yesterday, as we prayed together on Ash Wednesday, “Have Mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love,” I recalled my own reactions to that word – mercy. 

As a child, I had no idea what I was asking for.  I prayed the words because they were there, and that is what one did.  When I was an adolescent, I actually had an adverse reaction to that word.  Asking for mercy meant that I was less than perfect.  What adolescent is ready to admit that!

By the time I had lived life for some years as an adult and the question was asked of me in the Profession Ceremony of the Dominicans of Sinsinawa, “What do you ask?” I replied with the standard response with my whole heart and soul, “The mercy of God and yours.”  Life had taught me about the gift of giving and receiving mercy and forgiveness.  

Last night we celebrated the life of one of our sisters.  The wake and remembering service is always a source of encouragement and inspiration for me.  It gives us the opportunity of know that sister more intimately, and we recall how she has given and received mercy throughout her life knowing always God’s steadfast love.

How has discovering the gift of mercy and forgiveness changed you?
Is God calling you to request “The mercy of God and yours” within our community?

Anne Sur, OP
East Dubuque, Illinois

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