The Jubilee Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis, which began on December 8, draws inexorably to its close on Sunday, November 13.
Does this mean the end of God’s mercy to those who turn to Him in sorrow? No! Of course it doesn’t.
Pope Francis, in initiating the Year of Mercy, did so to emphasise the need for all of us to implore God’s mercy for our own transgressions and at the same time demonstrate mercy and forgiveness towards our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
St Norbert’s Church has continued its programme of events celebrating the Jubilee Year and providing opportunities for its members to be reconciled with God.
It will do so during the late summer and autumn months and will include a two-day retreat given by visiting Vincentian Priests on Wednesday and Thursday, September 14 and 15. A full programme is available from the parish office.
In a year which has witnessed unspeakable and horrific crimes against humanity, in Nice, in Munich, and culminating in the savage murder of an 84-year-old priest while saying mass in his church near Rouen – shades of St Thomas a Becket – one might be tempted to ask where was God while all this was happening?
Well firstly, God granted mankind a free will, which simply means He doesn’t command our obedience to His laws, or intervene in our live to ensure that we do.
Secondly, no offence, no matter how grievous, is greater than God’s love for us.
Pope Francis, paying a visit to that horrendous concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau recently, prayed silently for the victims of the crimes committed there, and left a written message asking God to forgive His people – to forgive so much cruelty.
Mike van der Weyden
St Norbert’s Church
