Love and Mercy

Written by Lisa Hirsch on Saturday of the First Week of Advent

Advent – a time of preparation, a time of planning, a time of waiting. What about a time of being sent out? A time to heal and forgive, a time to tend to others’ needs, a time to help Jesus be born into our suffering world?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus sends the disciples out into the world to minister to those in need and to tell everyone that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand”. He encourages them saying “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give”.

Advent offers us a new opportunity to realize the great gift of Love that God has given us “without cost”. We don’t deserve the gift that is Jesus. We can’t do anything to earn this gift. God freely gives his Son to us to show us the depth and breadth and strength of God’s Love for us. Advent offers us a chance to see anew the great Love that God gives to us and to respond in gratitude by giving “without cost” to those in our world who are most in need of Love.

Giving without cost – without the expectation of receiving anything in return. Giving not out of guilt or because “it’s the right thing to do,” but because our grateful heart can think of no better response than to give love to those who are in need of it. Because our heart breaks when we see someone homeless or hungry, cold or in prison, lonely or sick. And we remember that God’s mercy has been lavished on us so how could we not have mercy on those in need?

In our time of preparation then, may we remember the many ways in which God has and continues to love us and forgive us. And may our hearts be filled with the gratitude that leads to love and forgiveness toward all those we meet.

Questions for Reflection:
In what ways has God lavished love and mercy on you?
How might you reach out this Advent with love and mercy to those in need?

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Lisa Hirsch
Lisa is a long-time St. Mary resident parishioner and is involved in our Social Justice Ministry lead team.
Email: mcdfam5@sbcglobal.net