This weekend we are celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Mercy.   As I reflect on my first assignment as pastor, I truly believe the Lord is inviting me into His school of mercy through the instruction of Our Lady of Mercy.  I say it is a school because I continue to learn and be transformed by His mercy through our Mother’s beautiful example.

I have encountered brokenness in my own body through various physical ailments. I’ve experienced brokenness in my relationships with my friends and family.  I’ve also seen my relationship with God experience strife and difficulties.  One thing that is clear; I am a person in need of God’s mercy and healing.

Our Lady of Mercy is a beautiful teacher.  Mary was the first to receive Jesus at the Annunciation.  She was the first to hold her son and embrace him at his birth.  She initiated Jesus’ ministry at the wedding feast at Cana.  As she stood at the foot of the cross, her heart was pierced, and she became a teacher of her son’s mercy to his disciples.

When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!”  Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.  John 19:26-27 

Next week, starting on the first Saturday of October, which is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, we will begin 7 continuous days of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament ending on the first Friday of October celebrating the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  I would like to encourage everyone to consider joining Our Lady of Mercy in adoration of her Son in the Blessed Sacrament. Come spend time in silence with our Lord and enter into His school of Mercy.  Sign up for adoration hours may be found online and in the Narthex after all Masses.

Our Lady of Mercy, pray for us!

Father Michael