Presentation on The Name of God is Mercy

Presentation on “The Name of God is Mercy” by Pope Francis, published 22 January 2016

1. A TIME FOR MERCY • Mercy as central theme has evolved for Francis over the years; personal experiences • This is a Kairos, a special time of opportunity for mercy • Mercy important to Popes Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI • Round table discussion in Argentina with theologians suggested Year of mercy

2. THE GIFT OF CONFESSION • Need to talk to another about our sinfulness • Forgiveness has a social implication • Confessional should not be a “dry cleaner” because sin is more than a stain, it is a wound; it needs to be treated • Confessional should not be a “torture chamber; ” no excessive curiosity

3. LOOKING FOR EVEN THE SMALLEST OPENING • Recognising oneself as a sinner is a grace • Story from novel “To Every Man a Penny” about confession of young German soldier • “Are you sorry that you are not sorry? ” • Importance of gesture in coming to confession

4. A SINNER, LIKE SIMON PETER • “The pope is a man who needs the mercy of God” • “I have a special relationship with people in prisons, deprived of their freedom” • Feel like a sinner to be amazed by God, to be filled with his gift of infinite mercy • We cannot be arrogant; especially confessors need to think of their own sins

5. TOO MUCH MERCY? • Condemn sin and embrace the sinner • No sin compares to God’s love • Image of Church as “field hospital”: need to go out from the churches, to look for people where they live • A “place for urgent care, not a place to see a specialist” • Need for “a Church that goes forth toward those who are “wounded””

6. SHEPHERDS, NOT SCHOLARS OF THE LAW • Welcome people and don’t “wound their dignity” • Jesus did not remain indifferent, he felt compassion • Hypocrisy, a formal adherence to the law but neglecting love; people who close doors • Examples of mercy shown by prisoner’s wives and mothers

7. SINNERS YES, CORRUPT NO • “capacity forgiveness underlies all plans for a more just and supportive future society” • “When there is mercy, justice is more just” • Corruption is a sin elevated to a system, which become a way of living • “Corruption is not an act but a condition”

8. MERCY AND COMPASSION • Compassion is the human face of divine mercy • God loves us with compassion and mercy • Need to embrace “the outcast, the marginalised, and the sinner” • All are called to the banquet of the Lord

9. LIVING THE HOLY YEAR OF MERCY • “Open up to the mercy of God” • Approach “the confessional with faith” • Seven Corporal Works of Mercy and seven Spiritual Works of Mercy • The “apostolate of the ear”

CONCLUSION • Mercy will always be greater than any sin • Accept the mercy of God • Be merciful with others • “In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone”