We are closely approaching the Easter Season, a period marked with new life. Hence, many symbols (like the easter eggs or Bunny) with which we describe the Easter event, point to this newness of life. The Lenten season helps to prepare us for this new life. Regarding how this new life is possible, Pope Francis emphasizes in his book The Name of God is Mercy, that mercy is not only the first attribute of God, but very important to God. And because God does not want anyone to be lost, his mercy is infinitely greater than our sins. Because God is merciful, he calls us to repentance and gives us the grace to accept this new life.
The Mercy of God Has its Foundation in the Eucharist
We heard in today’s Gospel about the Last Supper, in which the sacrifice of Jesus is revealed, a sacrifice that will be completely accomplished on the cross. This sacrifice is one of reconciliation. It is within the context of the celebration of the Last Supper that Jesus calls upon the disciples to reflect upon their lives thus: “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me and hand me over.” (Mt 26:20) He thus invites each of the twelve, but especially Judas, to examine their conscience.
Hence, the examination of conscience belongs to the Eucharistic celebration. The words of Jesus can be applied to each of us in a broader sense, who have also been called by Jesus. They are an invitation to reflect on our actions, good or bad; an invitation to reflect about our dignity, by considering what we are doing with our lives at this moment, where we are going and what we have done with Jesus’ calling. Jesus expects that we respond with sincerity, humility, and honesty, whenever we gather to celebrate the sacrament of Eucharist or the Penance.
Invitation To Be Reconciled with God
The essence of this examination of conscience and Eucharistic sacrifice is reconciliation. Even in the face of our own betrayals, we can always turn to our Lord. Judas could have received mercy had he realized the offer that was made to him by Jesus. Also, in this Holy Week, Jesus is inviting us to be reconciled with God and to return to him, so as to find ourselves again. Despair is moving in the opposite direction. Returning to God and helping others do so is our vocation. Pope John Paul II said: “To evoke conversion and penance in man’s heart and to offer him the gift of reconciliation is the specific mission of the Church as she continues the redemptive work of her divine founder” (Reconciliatio et Paenitentia, 23).
Our Mission is Extending This Invitation to Others
The experience of the mercy of God is also an invitation to follow in his footsteps. Love others, despite their imperfections. Regarding how we should love, Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said: “We need a lot of love to forgive, and we need a lot of humility to forget, because forgiveness is not complete unless we also forget. […] And as long as we do not forget, we have not really forgiven completely. And this is the most beautiful part of God’s mercy. He not only forgives but he also forgets, and he never brings the subject up again.” We see a wonderful example of this kind of mercy in the parable of the prodigal father who never reproached the son. Instead, ran with joy and embraced him. We are invited during this holy week not only to receive mercy but to give it out to those who need it most.
