Dr Agnes S Thomas
“Mercy is not an abstract idea, but a concrete reality through which God reveals His love as that of a father or a mother, moved to the very depths out of love for their child.” (Pope Francis, Misericordiae Vultus, 2015)
As we mourn the passing of Pope Francis this Easter season, many have reflected on the gifts he bestowed upon the universal Church and each of us. In working with people on the margins of society and individuals disenfranchised for various reasons, one theme consistently emerges: mercy. What we witnessed in the death and resurrection of Jesus is the merciful face of God; what we observed, too, in the everyday actions and witness of Pope Francis was the living embodiment of that same mercy.
Why is mercy so important? What does it mean in the everyday making of our homes, communities, and society in general?
Many images come to mind when I think of the word mercy: Jesus on the cross, the Good Samaritan from the Gospel. I also consider how mercy plays out theoretically: how and why it relates to power relations and power imbalances, values, and approaches to justice and injustice. Pope Francis, on many occasions, as the leader and shepherd of the Church, has shown us that the merciful face of the Church is the face of God: a face that welcomes, forgives, and shows kindness to all without prejudice, especially when values, traditions, and practices do not align with the ideal.
From my observation, such acts of mercy have brought many back to the Lord. This stance has undeniable fruits and lessons, including the understanding that justice and kindness go hand in hand, especially as reflected in Pope Francis’s example of the field hospital he spoke about and which was often referenced by many.
In doing what is right and following protocol, we sometimes inadvertently forget the humanity of the person we are trying to help. This is where the merciful face of God, the Church, leaders, parents, and people in positions of influence becomes crucial. We are called to create safe spaces for those who find themselves vulnerable due to social, economic, or personal circumstances that do not align with the norms of our expectations. When power relations place someone at a disadvantage, it becomes our sacred responsibility to protect and affirm their dignity.
Bringing and being the merciful face of God into our work, communities, and homes challenges us to examine whether we are truly welcoming; whether we acknowledge differences without judgment; whether we create hope without being condescending or paternalistic; whether we share opportunities equally; and whether we value every person, whoever they may be, as a child of God. It also calls us to move beyond the comfort of our being, to break the status quo, to love without condition, and to forgive one more time.
More importantly, irrespective of place or people, when mercy is a core value reflected in the structure itself, justice is served and restored, dignity is preserved, and power relations are addressed. This occurs while still respecting the order and structure of a formal setup. Acting with mercy does not contradict values and guiding principles; rather, it aligns strongly with their guiding spirit.
This approach creates space for dialogue, listening, and letting go of outdated ideals that no longer serve but only hinder growth. Instead, it builds on the foundation that we are loved immensely and forgiven without measure. This is what is expected of us: to be the face of God to others.
Such an attitude will build, heal, create, and unify—not divide. It will bear fruit for the Kingdom of God on earth, where all people shall live in harmony. This is the beautiful image and legacy of Jesus, and through him, the faithful disciple, Pope Francis, showed us the way.
With gratitude for the life of Pope Francis and being part of the global Church that reflects the merciful face of God, I pray we all become that face of God wherever we are planted: to serve, to create homes, and to build communities.
“Mercy is the beating heart of the Gospel. It is the force that reawakens us to new life and instills in us the courage to look to the future with hope.”(M.V., 2015)
-Originally published in https://lightoftruth.in
