Wybrane aspekty miłosierdzia w nauczaniu papieża Franciszka
Chosen aspects of mercy in Pope Francis’ teaching

Author(s): Przemysław Sawa
Subject(s): Theology and Religion
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Śląskiego
Keywords: Pope Francis; mercy; omnipotence and justice; acts of mercy;spirituality of mercy;
Summary/Abstract: Contemporary times are the kairós of grace and Pope Francis is its prophet who gives an example of how to be a person of mercy by his words and actions. His teaching has a solid base in the Bible and theology, and fits into the theology of John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Another of its important aspects is its being grounded in humanism, human sensitivity and experience. In this way, spreading the truth about mercy carries a strong message and is an answer to the needs of contemporary people. Being the heart of the Gospel, acts of mercy are the center of life and mission of the Church. Thus, the announcement of The Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, a time to experience God’s mercy through people, to show mercy towards one’s neighbors and to make people conscious about the necessity of mercy, is not a surprise. Mercy is one of the main motifs of Francis’ teaching. It covers topics such as: mercy as the key to understand Christianity, theological foundations of the truth about mercy, various dimensions of mercy, signs of mercy and mercy as present in the everyday life of the Church. Still, it all comes down to the importance of grace and of accepting God’s love which precedes, anticipates and redeems. God’s greatness allows justice and mercy to coexist and shows God’s omnipotence. Christians should take the example of God and the Son. It fits evangelization in its broad understanding and it shows itself in forgiveness, generosity, fighting against indifference, helping those in need and reaching out to people of different religions. The service of the missionaries of mercy, which has been prolonged for indefinite time, is a special sign of the mercy as taken up by the Church. Mercy should be also celebrated in the liturgy, especially in the sacraments of Eucharist, Penance and Holy Orders. There, mercy is celebrated as well as put into effect leading to the change of a baptized. In this way, God gives His love to His people, which is always first and sets no spiritual nor moral conditions. It also becomes necessary to stick to the Bible. Acts of mercy are also: evangelization, pastoral services (testimony, homily, catechism, biblical apostolate) as well deeds and works of mercy. Finally, a mission of giving hope, closeness and support is also vital as it gives an answer to suffering, lack of understanding and other life difficulties. Mercy should therefore be expressed in the co‑participation in others’ experiences.

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