Divine Mercy is–

Bold.

Immeasurable.

Never-ending.

Powerful.

Trustworthy.

I am–

A pilgrim of mercy.

People are going to hurt you. It's an uncomfortable truth, but a truth nonetheless. Sometimes people wrong us intentionally. Other times, it's the result of their brokenness or misunderstanding or carelessness. These offenses can range from cutting you off in traffic and saying something sarcastic to someone lying about you, stealing from you, cheating on you, constantly criticizing you, or worse. The question is, how will you respond next time someone hurts you? The fourth spiritual work of mercy is bear wrongs patiently. What does that mean? To bear wrongs patiently means to endure injustices, offenses, or hurt gracefully without succumbing to anger, bitterness, or the desire for revenge. It is about choosing to respond in a way that reflects the mercy of God when someone wrongs us. Jesus models this behavior over and over throughout his life. I cannot even begin to imagine the patience Jesus needed to put up with the nonsense of people every day of his life.

If we asked 1,000 people on the street to name the 10 most important moments in history, lots of people wouldn't mention Jesus. Answers would include the agricultural revolution, the Shang dynasty, the invention of writing, the Silk Road, the rise and fall of Constantinople, the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the invention of the printing press, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Industrial Revolution, the invention of the automobile, the first antibiotic, World War II, landing on the moon, the invention of the computer, the civil rights movement, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Great Depression, or the birth of the internet. These are all significant moments, indeed pivotal moments in our history. But I would argue that all 10 of the most important moments in history are found in the life of Jesus Christ. We could start with the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus, move on to the Last Supper, and continue from there. But the reality is, if Jesus is who He says He is, any moment of His life was more important than the invention of anything.

The Sermon on the Mount was also one of the most significant moments in history. These teachings of Jesus have profoundly influenced the way human beings have lived since He walked the earth. His emphasis on love, mercy, justice, and the dignity of every individual has left an enduring mark on our understanding of morality and human rights. This single collection of teachings redefined our entire understanding of what it means to be a human being and live in relationship with others and as members of society. These teachings reveal the heart of God and invite us to experience and share His mercy. The Sermon on the Mount is found in the Gospel of Matthew 5-7. Most people can read it in less than 30 minutes, and I encourage you to read it in one sitting. And though it may take less than 30 minutes to read, to fully understand even one of the teachings it contains can take a lifetime. Reflecting on the Sermon of the Mount is a powerful way to learn and absorb the wisdom of divine mercy. It will teach you more about divine mercy than all the books ever written on the subject, including this book we are journeying through together. So let's explore what it teaches us about bearing wrongs patiently. You have heard that it was said, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, do not resist one who is evil. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to him who begs from you and do not refuse him who would borrow from you. This was a radical teaching 2,000 years ago. And like all of Jesus' teachings, it is still a radical teaching today. It didn't get any easier over the last 2,000 years to love your enemy. Trust in God, forgive without limits, resist the temptation to judge other people, detach from material possessions, deny yourself, or carry your cross. But this particular teaching completely revolutionized human morality. Jesus was throwing out the eye for an eye tooth for tooth mentality, and yet we are still clinging to it today. He was also saying, "Stop stealing from God."

Did I lose you? Well, the Scriptures teach us, "Vengeance is mine," says the Lord. "The eye for an eye, tooth for tooth mentality claims vengeance as a human right." And Jesus was reminding people that it isn't. So when someone wrongs you, you have two choices: bear the wrong patiently or steal from God. It is humbling to admit that I still find myself stealing from God far too often. This teaching is constantly challenging me to rearrange my priorities and change the way I live my life. When someone wrongs you, how do you react? The last time someone cut you off in traffic, what did you think or say about them? When you find out someone has been gossiping about you, how do you respond? Our minds almost always wander in the direction of vengeance. Our minds start dreaming up ways to get them back. And perhaps you have been wronged in much more serious ways. Perhaps someone betrayed you in a way that has shaken you to your very core. What was your first impulse? Revenge or healing? We are all broken and wounded. Our hearts aren't inclined to bear wrongs patiently or to forgive offenses willingly. This requires virtue. Left to our own devices, humans are vengeful. Even a cursory examination of human history will prove this beyond a doubt. proposes to change this. And the change is possible because of Jesus' radical example. We are not naturally kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion. These attitudes and behaviors are learned as we seek to walk in God's ways by living a life of virtue. How should we respond to those who wrong us? This question is central to the life of every Christian. Jesus doesn't just speak the answer. He lives the answer. Unjustly condemned, stripped of his clothes and dignity, spat on, scourged, wearing a crown of thorn, he never lashes out. He has the power to make it all stop. And yet, he hangs on the cross and says, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Is it easy to be a pilgrim of mercy? Absolutely not. Bearing wrongs patiently takes practice. Don't worry. The people in your life will give you plenty of opportunities to practice it each day. The next time someone wrongs you, pause to pray. Ask for the patience to respond with love and mercy rather than impatiently reacting with anger or hate. Remind yourself that you have wronged others in the past, intentionally and unintentionally, and that even with your best efforts, you will wrong people again in the future. Mercy is always an invitation to a better life. A pilgrim of mercy turns the other cheek and extends that invitation even to those who have wronged them. Trust, surrender, believe, receive.

Did you know there are 57 amazing moments of engagement during the Mass? Did you know each and every one of them connects with your daily life and teaches us something about the genius of Catholicism? Did you know this year, we will finish our extraordinary program about the mass so that everyone can learn about these 57 moments of engagement in the Mass? If you are a dynamic Catholic Ambassador, thank you. And this is what we are spending your money on this year. If you are not, I invite you today to become a Dynamic Catholic Ambassador, choose your welcome gift, and help us eradicate Mass is boring from the Catholic vernacular. Click the button below. And remember, Be Bold. Be Catholic.

Eternal God.

In whom mercy is endless.

In the treasury of compassion inexhaustible.

Look kindly upon us.

And increase your mercy in us.

That in difficult moments, we might not despair.

Nor become despondent.

But with great confidence.

Submit ourselves to your holy will.

Which is love and mercy itself.

Amen.

Amen.

Amen.

See you tomorrow.

Thank you, Ambassadors.

You are changing the world.

Have a great day.

Have a great day.

Have a great day. 

Hey, Isabel, one of the best ways to be a pilgrim of mercy is to collaborate with God to create holy moments. So I figured while we have a couple of minutes, you could inspire the audience to create some holy moments. So what is today's Holy Moment Challenge?

Let's find out. Today's Holy Moments Challenge, overlook an offense against you.