“We need constantly to contemplate the mystery of mercy. It is a wellspring of joy, serenity, and peace. Our salvation depends on it. Mercy: the word reveals the very mystery of the Most Holy Trinity. Mercy: the ultimate and supreme act by which God comes to meet us. Mercy: the fundamental law that dwells in the heart of every person who looks sincerely into the eyes of his brothers and sisters on the path of life. Mercy: the bridge that connects God and man, opening our hearts to the hope of being loved forever despite our sinfulness” (Misericordia vultus, 2).
Taken from from Pablo Martinez’s latest album, ESTAS, “Bienvenida tu Misericordia” isn’t just a song but the fruit of an encounter — an encounter with the infinite goodness of a God who comes so very close to man in his every need.
Pablo Martinez, a musician and teacher of theology, welcomes mercy and invites us to welcome it too. As the artist says: “Faced with the violence of today’s world, what is needed is the merciful presence of God, who comes, saves, forgives and redeems. In its simplicity, this song was written to help us experience God’s merciful love.
Continuing with the Pope Francis’ Bull of Indiction, Misericordiae Vultus:
In order to be capable of mercy, therefore, we must first of all dispose ourselves to listen to the Word of God. This means rediscovering the value of silence in order to meditate on the Word that comes to us. In this way, it will be possible to contemplate God’s mercy and adopt it as our lifestyle. … Merciful like the Father, therefore, is the “motto” of this Holy Year. In mercy, we find proof of how God loves us. He gives his entire self, always, freely, asking nothing in return. He comes to our aid whenever we call upon him. What a beautiful thing that the Church begins her daily prayer with the words, “O God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me” (Ps. 70:2)! The assistance we ask for is already the first step of God’s mercy toward us. He comes to assist us in our weakness. And his help consists in helping us accept his presence and closeness to us. Day after day, touched by his compassion, we also can become compassionate toward others.
United in the words of the pope, and in the notes of Pablo Martinez, let us therefore welcome mercy!
—Costanza d’Ardia
And today we celebrate...