In case you missed it, we are in the midst of the Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis. What exactly does this mean? Basically this special jubilee year is to frame all that we do with the message of mercy.

And I can happily report, Catholics in this diocese have responded to Pope Francis call to mercy in a big way.

There are mercy talks scheduled at parishes; pilgrimages planned to parishes with designated holy doors combined with acts of mercy; a diocesan web page for the Jubilee of mercy busy with visitors sharing their moments of mercy, and pastors are speaking frequently about God’s mercy and helping their parishioners understand the gift of giving and receiving mercy in all they do and pray.

And Bishop Malloy gives us good example as he visits the prisons, the cemeteries and the elderly.

Since the year began, I have been asked by several groups to give a little talk about communication within the framework of mercy. While this seemed like a simple request, it really became a challenge considering the groups that requested the talks. The first group I had the privilege to address was the Holy Name Society at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Rockford. The second request was to be part of a panel discussion at the Catholic Charities All Hands meeting.

I have to admit, my first thought in both instances was, “What can I possibly say to people whose mission and vocation has everything to do with mercy?” Seriously, what can I offer about performing the spiritual and corporal works of mercy to men and women for whom mercy is second nature?

How could I put any words together that would be more meaningful than what the people of the Holy Name Society and Catholic Charities actually experience in the work they do?

Well, I got a little help from the pope. I shared some thoughts from the Holy Father that may have been overlooked.

I like to think I’ve read most of what Pope Francis has had to say so far about mercy. I have to say it’s pretty good stuff. For me, two little messages have stuck out. And the impact of those words come not because they are anything new, but because they are simple and beautiful reminders of the power of God.

The first line that hit my heart was when the pope reminded those attending a Mass at Santa Marta that the unique characteristic of God is that He is “the one who loves us first.” What a fantastic reminder that God is indeed the one who counted the hairs on our heads and holds us in the palm of His hands. I thought this would be a beautiful reflection for people who work with and undoubtedly know the frustrations and heartache that can sometimes come from serving the hungry, the thirsty, the homeless, the sick, the ignorant, the doubtful, the sorrowful and the imprisoned.

Another couple of words that struck me hard were the pope’s words about granting the jubilee year indulgence. The pope wrote that each time we perform the acts of mercy we express the “commitment to live by mercy so as to obtain the grace of complete and exhaustive forgiveness by the power of the love of the Father who excludes no one.” Excludes no one. Wow.

So that means God’s love is so powerful and so complete that He never chooses to do what we are guilty of sometimes … unknowingly excluding people of a certain, race, gender, level of economics and stature from our acts of kindness.

I borrowed the pope’s words to remind others, that even though we work in the service of others, a little reminder that God calls us to put no boundaries on our love and mercy is helpful.

I am thankful for so many groups and individuals in our diocese who make performing the works of mercy part of the fabric of their lives. And I have been honored to share my gratitude and encouragement on behalf of communications. And for them and all of us Catholics, let us reflect Pope Francis’ powerful reminder:

“The Year of Mercy is also a bit like this: We know that the Lord is waiting for us, each one of us. Why?

To embrace us; nothing more. To tell us: ‘Son, daughter, I love you. I let my son be crucified for you; this is the price of my love.’