Mercy Word of the Week
As we progress through the Jubilee Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis, University Ministry offers our community a "Mercy Word of the Week" to help us focus on the themes of mercy that are already so closely aligned to our mission and heritage as an institution sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy.
The first Monday of each month will bring a brief reflection on each of the University’s Core Values as expressions of our Mercy charism. We hope these focused thoughts will lead to your own considered contemplation on mercy and its role in your life.
What was the first thing you did this morning? Did you start with a prayer or a complaint? These compelling questions elicit responses that are worth reflecting upon. Being grateful in spite of life’s adversities is an authentic measure of how we have been celebrating our call to be in a relationship with God. To be in a relationship with Him is to be endlessly thankful for everything that He has given us, whether good or bad.
Gratitude, coming from the Latin word gratus meaning "pleasing" or "thankful," is believed to be among the best attitudes. What we decide to do with the gift of life is our profound expression of gratitude to the "Giver" of life Himself, the Source of Mercy. At present, the clamor and the cry of the world’s predicaments needs the sharing of our time, talent, and spiritual blessings, especially with those lost, least and lonely. The Year of Mercy is a perfect invitation for us to celebrate this sense of deep gratitude that is rooted in the empowering love of Christ in us.
What are you grateful for today? May our lives be living manifestations of our deep sense of gratitude for each moment we are given by God. When was the last time you said, "thank you" to your loved ones, friends and even strangers? It is never too late – start now!