Reflection for the 2nd Sunday of Advent and the Start of the Year of Mercy this week!

December 6, 2015

Second Sunday of Advent

This coming Tuesday, in Rome, on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis will open the “Holy Door” to signal the opening of the Jubilee Year of Mercy.  Fittingly, each diocese in the world will open it’s Holy Door as well, to welcome all to the Mercy and Love of God.  As this Jubilee Year of Mercy begins, what twists and turns do I need to let God untangle in my life?  What rough edges smooth out?  What mountains of pride should I bring low?   What valleys of indifference and neglect will I fill for others as we all demonstrate the Mercy of God in our lives?

Prayer of Pope Francis for the Year of Mercy

Lord Jesus Christ,

you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father,

and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him.

Show us your face and we will be saved…

Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing,

so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord,

and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor,

proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed, and restore sight to the blind.

Amen.