To the Editor:
Pope Francis has reminded us that “Life is a pilgrimage, and the human being is the visitor, a pilgrim traveling along the road, making his way to the desired destination.” The desired destination has been planted in our hearts, but do we remember that? Do we remember that we all come from God and are bound toward him in love as we become one?
We must take the time to know ourselves. We can only truly know ourselves when we understand ourselves in light of God. We can only know others when we see in them the image of God. God shows us his face in Jesus. By the power of the Holy Spirit we come to know the mind and will of our Triune God.
As C. S. Lewis wrote in “Mere Christianity,” “The whole dance, or drama, or pattern of this three-Personal life is to be played out in each one of us; each one of us has got to enter that pattern, take his place in that dance. There is no other way to the happiness for which we were made.”
When we enter the dance it is much easier to live as our Lord taught: “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. For the measure you give will be the measure you receive.”
We can ask ourselves: Does the mercy of God fill my heart with love? Do I show mercy to others because God’s mercy has first been shown to me? Do I reach out to people in need? Is the mercy of God visible in me?
Carrie Delcourt
Rock Island, Ill.
