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SXU News - Saint Xavier University News

Mercy Word of the Week

Date:07/05/2016

The Mercy Word of the Week

As we progress through the Jubilee Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis, University Ministry offers our community a "Mercy Word of the Week" to help us focus on the themes of mercy that are already so closely aligned to our mission and heritage as an institution sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy.

The first Monday of each month will bring a brief reflection on each of the University's Core Values as expressions of our Mercy charism. We hope these focused thoughts will lead to your own considered contemplation on mercy and its role in your life.

Family: Summer abounds with opportunities to see family. From vacations, to sports, barbeques and reunions, it can seem as if every weekend, even every night, we're surrounded by family. Even if we claim no family of our own, we surround ourselves with our family of friends. And where there are family and relationships, there are inevitable strains. Some strains are solved by a night's rest. Some strains go on for years, even affecting generations. Family, and the relationship strains that come with family, provide us with the opportunity for mercy. Instead of looking at the brokenness in relationships, we can try looking at those wounded relationships as opportunities of mercy. After snapping in frustration at a spouse, try taking a deep breath and asking God to all his mercy to heal the moment. If we are estranged from a sibling, pray for God's mercy to mend the relationship. Instead of waiting for the other person to come forward first, pray for the courage to show mercy first and invite them to a family gathering. Let us use this summer, with its endless opportunities to tire of family, as an opportunity to infuse mercy into those relationships that are most sacred to us.

Anne H. Madden, director of Music and Liturgical Ministry