Pope Francis: be merciful as the Father is merciful

September 21, 2016

Continuing his series of weekly addresses devoted to mercy, Pope Francis reflected on Luke 6:36-68 during his September 21 general audience.

“We are reminded of our call to be merciful even as our heavenly Father is merciful (cf. Lk. 6:36),” the Pope told the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square, according to the official English-language synthesis of his remarks.

“When we look at salvation history, we see that God’s whole revelation is his untiring love for humanity which culminates in Jesus’ death on the Cross,” he continued. “So great a love can be expressed only by God.”

Pope Francis added:

Jesus’ call to humanity to be as merciful as the Father, however, is not a question of quantity. Instead it is a summons to be signs, channels and witnesses to his mercy. This is the Church’s mission, to be God’s sacrament of mercy in every place and time.

As Christians, therefore, God asks us to be his witnesses, first by opening our own hearts to his divine mercy, and then by sharing that mercy towards all people, especially those who suffer.

 

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Further information:

• General Audience - 2016.09.21 (YouTube Vatican)
• L’Udienza Generale, 21.09.2016 (Holy See Press Office)