A Sense of Relationship  

The true meaning of to “have mercy” (Kyrie eleison) is to “come to the aid of another out of a sense of relationship.” In Kipling’s The Jungle Book, Mowgli learned that if he cried out, “We are one blood, ye and I”, all the animals of the forest would come to his aid. Christians know that all who “walk in the light… have fellowship (koinonia) with one another” through the blood of Christ that “cleanses us from all sin”—the source of all division. And “the Spirit is the one that testifies” to this (1John 1:7; 5:6). Those who share the “communion (koinonia) of the Holy Spirit” live in mutual mercy. 

The readings on “Mercy Sunday” begin: “The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions… There was no needy person among them” (Acts 4:32). Those who know “in the Spirit” they are children of the Father and members of the body of Christ help each other out of a sense of relationship.  

Since we know God offers his divine Life to everyone (1Timothy 2:4; Titus 2:11)—although for particular persons we may not know when or how—Christians presume we have this relationship with everyone we deal with. We show mercy to all as to brothers and sisters. No—even more than that—as to Jesus himself (Matthew 25:31). 

ACTION: Recognize every person in need as your brother or sister. 

PRAYER: Lord, teach me to do unto others as I would do unto you. 

— Fr. David M. Knight

View today’s Mass readings on the USCCB website here

Easter season is the time to focus on the Holy Spirit. Starting on Easter Sunday, we will look carefully at how the Spirit is proclaimed, invoked, and presented to us in the Mass. Lex orandi, lex credendi: “As the Church prays, so she believes.”

After that, we will reflect on the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2; Galatians 5:22), and at how the Spirit enters the life of those who believe.

As you read these reflections, ask for the gift of Understanding. Ask to really understand what you believe, what you see and hear at Mass. Go deeper into understanding the Mass than you ever have before. We experience the Faith when we become aware of its mystery. We hope you reflect deeply on the Mass and Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and find yourself more and more drawn into the mysteries of our Lord in the Mass and in His Gifts.