Divine Mercy is Generous.
Hopeful.
Powerful. Compassionate. Glorious.
I am.
A pilgrim of mercy.
Everyone you will ever meet is carrying a heavy burden. Everyone. Everyone is fighting a hard battle and in some way just living from day to day. The sixth spiritual work of mercy is comfort the afflicted. Life is difficult, not for some people, but for everyone in their own way. And for too many people, the world is a sad, unjust, brutal, randomly cruel, and maddening place. But people don't walk about with a sign around their neck that says what they are struggling with. I'm depressed. Yesterday, I had a miscarriage. I lost my job two weeks ago, but don't know how to tell my wife. My husband just told me he doesn't love me anymore.
Am I a good mother? I'm addicted to drugs. I want to break off my engagement. I don't know what to do with my life. My son won't talk to me. I just found out I have cancer. People don't walk around with signs, but everyone is struggling with something. When we're mindful of this, we're gentler with each other. When we forget this, we abandon our humanity. Everyone you will ever meet is fighting a hard battle, even if it doesn't seem like it. We measure other people's lives by their blessings, but we don't see their hidden burdens. You never know what is going on inside somebody, and everybody has something going on inside them, even Jesus.
One of the most heart-wrenching scenes in Jesus' life unfolded the night before he died. Knowing that he was about to take on the entire weight of humanity's brokenness, Jesus was afflicted with terrible pain and anxiety in the Garden of Gethsemane. His pain was so great that he confided in his disciples saying, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch with me." When Jesus was in the depth of his stress, anxiety, and anguish, he only requested one thing: company. He just wanted the people he loved the most to be at his side. He wanted to be comforted in his affliction.
When we see people suffering affliction, we don't always know what to do, but Jesus makes it clear. We don't have to say the perfect thing or do the perfect thing to comfort someone in their most difficult moments. Sometimes it's enough just to be there. Our presence is powerful. Our presence says, I see you, I hear you. You are worthy. I am with you. I care. Rest a while. You are safe here with me. Every person you meet is fighting a hard battle. It might be obvious. It might be completely and utterly hidden. But let's start paying attention. Look at the people you encounter today. Really look at them. See them. Most people feel unseen. Listen to people you encounter today. Really listen to them. Hear them. Most people feel unheard. Go above and beyond to understand the people you encounter today. Seek to understand their perspective and whatever it is they are struggling with. Understand their plight. Most people feel misunderstood. Pay attention to the people in your life. These are very practical ways to bring the mercy and comfort of God to others. Mercy is simple. Mercy is beautiful. Mercy is practical. Trust, surrender, believe, receive.
The word is out. People have been asking, what will Dynamic Catholics program on the Mass look like? The program will present one of the most beautiful masses you've ever seen right here in the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption. The cinematography is amazing. It will be a journey through the mass like no other. And at the same time, practical and relatable, and it will change the way people experience the mass forever. There are 57 amazing moments of engagement in the Catholic Mass. Let's take a look at just one of those moments of engagement that the program covers, the Offitory. You've seen and participated in it 1,000 times, but do you engage in it like this? As the gifts are being brought forward and as the priest is preparing the gifts, in your heart, bring the different aspects of your life forward and offer them to God. Offer God your marriage, your family, your children, your career, your business, your friendships, in a special way, offer him your successes and your failures. Hold up to God a friend who is suffering. Offer him a particular struggle that you are enduring right now. Whatever you want to see changed in your life or in the world, place it all on the altar. That altar is an altar of transformation. Offer God everything. Mentally and spiritually place all these people and aspects of your life on the altar so that God can transform them. That's just one of the 57 moments of engagement in the Mass that will forever change the way you experience the Mass. So become an Ambassador today and help us finish this program and share it with the world. Have a great day and remember, Be Bold, Be Catholic.
Eternal God.
In whom mercy is endless.
And 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, Ralph. 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 our audience. So tell me, what is today's Holy Moment Challenge?
It is give someone a compliment they will not forget.
