That message of mercy is at the heart of Pope Francis’ decision to proclaim a Jubilee Year of Mercy, which will run until the feast of Christ the King, November 20. The Holy Father has chosen “Merciful Like the Father” as the theme of this Holy Year, that the Church may truly reflect the love of God to those in need. Elsewhere Pope Francis has called for the Church to be a “field hospital after battle.” There may be follow-up care needed in which we learn to follow Christ as he calls us, but first we offer mercy and forgiveness to all in need, which is all of us.
This season of Lent is the most powerful time for us to celebrate the mercy of God. On Ash Wednesday, as we received the ashes, we were exhorted (in one of the options) to “Repent and believe in the gospel.” We have that reminder of our need for mercy, but we also need to know that mercy is available. I was pleased when the Pope gave every priest the faculty to forgive those who have had abortions. Priests in the United States have long had that faculty from our bishops, but I saw the news as a message that mercy is available to anyone who wants to turn back to God.
That mercy is available in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We have Confessions every Saturday from 3:00 to 3:45. During Lent we are offering Confessions from 6:00 to 6:45, before the evening Mass. There is also a special opportunity this week. As has been the custom in Advent and Lent, the Diocese of Pittsburgh is asking every parish to provide the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 9:00. That way anyone can go to any church to receive God’s mercy. In the past, this event has been a wonderful way for people who have major sins or who have not gone to Confession in many years to find their way back. There have been times when I have heard someone’s Confession and then just closed my eyes and said a very special prayer of thanksgiving as the penitent walked away, free from burdens he or she has carried for so long.
It was not easy for the Prodigal Son to get up and come home to his father, but he found that it was worth the effort. So please come to Confession at St. Malachy or at any other parish. We promise to be “Merciful Like the Father.”
Father H
