Wednesday of the Twenty-fourth week in Ordinary Time
Commentary of the day
Blessed John-Paul II, Pope from 1978 to 2005
Encyclical « Dives in Misericordia » § 13 (trans. © copyright Libreria Editrice Vaticana)
In the Church Christ calls us to conversion
The Church lives an authentic life when she professes and proclaims mercy-the most stupendous attribute of the Creator and of the Redeemer-and when she brings people close to the sources of the Savior's mercy, of which she is the trustee and dispenser. Of great significance in this area is constant meditation on the Word of God, and above all conscious and mature participation in the Eucharist and in the sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation.
The Eucharist brings us ever nearer to that love which is “more powerful than death” (Sg 8,6): "For as often as we eat this bread and drink this cup," we proclaim not only the death of the Redeemer but also His resurrection, "until he comes" in glory (Roman Missal; cf. 1Cor 11,26). The same Eucharistic rite, celebrated in memory of Him who in His messianic mission revealed the Father to us by means of His words and His cross, attests to the inexhaustible love by virtue of which He desires always to be united with us and present in our midst, coming to meet every human heart.
It is the sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation that “prepares the way” (Lk 3,3; Is 40,3) for each individual, even those weighed down with great faults. In this sacrament each person can experience mercy in a unique way, that is, the love which is more powerful than sin.
| Wednesday, September 18, 2013 St. Joseph of Cupertino, Priest (Feast) |
||
|