As a Catholic ministry we are passing through the season of Lent (for Christians a time of preparation and examination of our own lives and how we live what we profess), to enter the Easter period. For those who do not know what Easter is, for Christians it is a time to remember the Love of God manifest in the person of Jesus who proclaimed to be the Living, tangible image of the all present, Loving God. This enduring LOVE is made manifest through the eternal Spirit permeating our whole existence. At the risk of repeating my words from last year’s reflection, it is believed that Jesus paid the ultimate price for loving, healing, and showing mercy to all he encountered. Those in power were threatened by this humble teacher, and so they had him put to death. However, Jesus had already proclaimed many days before this event, that if they destroyed the temple (referring to his body), in three days he would rise. People find this hard to believe, and yet in the scheme of existing universes, unfathomable scientific mysteries, planets, oceans, mind-blowing mathematics and expansions of life and creation … is it such an unthinkable feat?
The Resurrection is believed to be the final victory over death, where life becomes eternal and we are invited into relationship with an unmeasurably, compassionate God. It is a season of great light, hope, joy and promise. This was all made possible by one person selflessly choosing to love and live a life of devotion to others over the preservation of his own life.
Pope Francis reminds us: ‘Yet the Lord is risen! Let us not tarry among the tombs, but run to find him, the Living One! Nor may we be afraid to seek him also in the faces of our brothers and sisters, in the stories of those who hope and dream, in the pain of those who cry and suffer: God is there!
As we contemplate the Pope’s words, we may come to realise that this is our opportunity as the family of Mercy Community every day. Could we ask ourselves: Do I actually see the face of God/Love in others? We often see it in those we support and serve, but do we see it in the faces of those we work alongside daily?
We can sometimes get so caught up in our hurts and concerns, (so human to do) we miss the love, gifts and presence of God/Love/Mercy in those we work alongside in our ministry in the here and now. I would like to gently challenge all of us, including myself, to acknowledge the hurts in our own lives from which we operate, seek healing and reconciliation, and look again at those with whom we share life every day in the service of others.
Happy Easter everyone! I pray you all find that joy, life, and peace that flows from this Season of Easter! That you rest with your families and discover or rediscover God or that place of deep meaning in your lives!
Blessings!
Shanelle Bennett
General Manager – Mission Integration
