Mercy Word of the Week

The 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.

Prayer: When was the last time you opened yourself up and conversed with God? How did that make you feel? Our desire to be connected with God through sincere conversation is a form of prayer. Like the food we eat, which nourishes our physical bodies, prayer nurtures in a very special way.

This two-way conversation connects us deeply to the only source of all goodness. This encounter with God sustains us because it makes available the abundance of God’s grace that only He can provide. We don’t need elaborate words to speak to God. Only a sincere heart that conveys the deepest longings of our souls.

Matthew 6:8 reminds us: "When you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." These words are a great comfort, assuring us of God’s divine attention to the details of our lives.

Let us offer our needs before God with hope. Let us offer our entire being to God, asking him to teach us his will for each day. Daily conversations with God will deepen our relationship with Him, and the fruit will become evident in our lives. May we live with prayer, and become living prayers for our families, community, and the world.

Analyn Capistrano Cortez

Intern, Office for University Mission and Ministry

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