KykNET Lent Guide 2023Sample

Week 4: Mercifulness

Day 2: Mercy as a Gift

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matt 5:7 NIV

Augustinus writes: “The entire life of a believer is a holy longing. What you desire, you cannot yet see. But the desire gives you the ability to be fulfilled when you see it…”

When we recognise our needs and desire, we take the first step towards wisdom and a deeper relationship with God. We all have a deep inner longing to experience that we are cared for by others. Even so, we experience the privilege and joy of showing mercy to others.

Sometimes when we don’t experience the receiving of mercy, we feel empty, and start to question our meaning. Then it is especially difficult to give mercy to others. God gives us mercy freely – the first step is simply to accept it.

Exercise:

Think of the people, things, or places in which/ through which you experience mercy. How can you receive mercy through these experiences?

Repetition Prayer:

Lord, give me the grace to be merciful.