Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Saturday of the 2nd week of Lent, March 22, 2025

Delivered by Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. Micah 7: 14-15.18-20; Rs psalm 103: 1-2.3-4.9-10.11-12; Luke 15: 1-3.11-32MERCY The theme for our meditation today is: Mercy. Aftergiving a homily at Holy Mass that Sunday about God's mercy, the parish priestwas visited by several young people. In the parish rectory they asked FatherBastian to enlighten again about mercy, because for them the explanation ofmercy was still unclear. They found it difficult to understand God's mercy. This is how Father Bastian explained mercy. To theperson who has wronged you, your forgiveness should not be limited to writingin a message or chat. Don't just say it once and then forget about the personand the problem. Don't just say that you're forgiving, then limit yourself tonot communicating as you used to. This is not mercy.  If you want to practice mercy, then you need to meetthe person concerned, greet in warmth even by hugging him. Speak from heart toheart with the intention of erasing all the wounds and bad memories of therelationship that have been fractured. Here there is mutual acceptance in allcircumstances. Mercy requires touch and intimacy, like a father's or mother'shug to you to ensure that their love goes to the innermost of you, to theholiest place that is your own soul. The Father continued, if a friend conveys his personalproblems that are quite serious, you certainly feel concerned. Then you promiseto pray for him. After that you pray for him once or twice. Maybe you evenforgot to pray because of your busyness. It is not mercy. It is an act that istoo big for just promises and words. If you want to practice mercy, in addition to thepromise to pray, you make it a problem in yourself as well. So ask often oreven meet with him and give him as much attention as you can. Do anything thatmakes the friend feel that he is not alone, and that you are the one who isalways with him. You are his angel. You are the answer. The essence of mercy is the act of renewing andrestoring pain, weakness or damage with acts of love. So the first is to removeall obstacles or sins that hinder the recovery of the relationship that is tobe built. According to the prophet Micah's prophecy, the sin was to be thrownaway. Next, a touch of love and forgiveness by welcoming and making thesuffering party our own. The act of restoring suffering and bringing someoneback as part of us, our families and our communities is the true act of mercy. Godhas always done so to each of us.Let us pray. In the name of the Father ... O God of mercy,enable us with the spirit of mercy towards our neighbors. Glory to the Fatherand to the Son and to the Holy Spirit ... In the name of the Father ...