Several years ago, I came across a definition of mercy that is stuck in my mind and has been a part of my prayer for years now. Father James Keenan, SJ describes mercy as “the willingness to enter the chaos of another.” It reflects the active and dynamic component of mercy.
These final days of the Advent season draw our attention to that very truth: in Jesus Christ, God has entered the chaos of the human experience and lifted us up and drawn us into his loving communion. What a beautiful gift! How awesome an invitation God offers us! See what love the Father has bestowed upon us!!!
It’s just two short days now until Christmas. The anticipation and the excitement are palpable. Can you and I truly say as the Gospel reminds us: “all who heard these things took them to heart.”?
In these waning Advent hours, perhaps we need to ask ourselves in the depths of our own hearts what is it we’re really waiting for? Presents? The end to the shopping madness? Perhaps simply a few days off?
Or is it a Person?
God’s love incarnate, Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the one who brings true peace. Jesus is the one who restores calm. Jesus is the one who establishes his presence with us, in our midst. … even in the midst of our chaos. Mercy me.
