Once again this week, we hear about forgiveness and compassion in the readings at Mass. Once again, we are reminded that through forgiving others, we will be forgiven; by having mercy on others, God will have mercy on us. Our gathering song brings this message to us as we come together to worship: “There’s a wide-ness in God’s mercy like the wideness of the sea; There’s a kind-ness in his justice which is more than liberty... For the love of God is broader than the measures of our mind, and the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind. “ (“There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy”, Tune: IN BABILONE) As the Psalm states so well: “The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.” This is, once again, a reminder to us of the kindness and mercy that we ourselves are called to show to one another, just as God shows to us. “Our Blessing Cup” at Communion is taken from the Communion Antiphon – “The chalice of blessing that we bless is a communion in the Blood of Christ” (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:16) Once again, the text in this song recalls God’s kindness and mercy: “How can we make a return for all the goodness God has shown... Gracious and merciful God, we give you thanks and bless your name: with all your people, praise and glory to your name.”
Our second song at Communion, “Open My Eyes” by Jesse Mani-busan, asks God to enter into us and allow us to “see [God’s] face...hear [God’s] voice... love like [God].” By allowing Him into our lives, we will learn to serve others by showing mercy and forgiveness so that ultimately, God will have mercy on us. Our closing hymn, “Now Thank We All our God”, reminds us to always give thanks to God for all that He has done for us –including showing us kindness and mercy.
Now thank we all our God with heart, and hands, and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done, in whom his world rejoices;
Who, from our mother’s arms hath blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.