By Dr Ivan Film
Aug 7 2021
AS the pandemic continues to rage on, the Church of the Divine Mercy organised a session called Stir the Mercy via Zoom on July 31.
“Jesus was always sensitive to what was happening around him, to the blind, the leper and the woman who touched his cloak. We need to know what we can do within our families and community and to discern what God is asking of us,” said parish priest Fr Michael Raymond OFM Cap, the presenter.
He then went on to explain the four A’s in our response. First we Assess the situations around us, then are Attentive to what needs to be done, which will Allow our hearts to do what is needful and then we will receive the Abundant returns for our good deeds.
We are reminded by St Faustina (entry 1317) that we need to exercise mercy in order to obtain the mercy of God.
Fr Michael explained that in the Gospel of John 5:1-16 regarding the healing at the pool of Bethesda (meaning the pool of mercy), there were so many around the pool struggling with afflictions and suffering. The paralytic man had been waiting for 38 years for someone to help him get into the pool to be healed. Every day there is someone who is waiting for help to get into the pool. Can we be stirred to be that someone? We are also reminded in 1 Peter 4:10 that everyone has received a gift and needs to minister it to others and be a good steward of the manifold graces of God. Show how you can be that steward/witness by offering a hand to give the mercy of God to others. Freely share what God has given us and see the power of God work through us.
At this point, two parishioners were invited to share their stories of giving God’s mercy to others.
Alison Choo related her experience helping a single mom delivering ordered food during these times. She is also now helping her obtain a job for a more regular source of income. In another case, she helped a family obtain a reclining bed for the father who recently had a stroke and the daughter to get a job as a translator to provide a source of income for the family.
Melinda Michael was another parishioner who related how her efforts in using Pet Therapy helped physical and mentally challenged children to be more interactive with others. Each of them related that inner joy they felt helping give to others a token of God’s mercy.
The challenge given by Fr Michael is to be MAD (Making A Difference). In relation to the needs of CDM at this time, Fr Michael asked if some can come forward to be sponsors for the RCIA candidates and can also help by adopting one of the sacramental classes (First Holy Communion and Confirmation) to share their faith and provide support to the faith sharers during online classes.
He also spoke about the senior citizens of the Living Springs Ministry of CDM, Pope Francis has declared that the elderly are still needed and can contribute meaningfully with their experience. There are many who are shut in and may need a comforting ear to cope, or the advice of one older and more experienced in years.
In concluding Fr Michael asked us to move from the four A’s to the three A’s. That is to be Awake to what is happening around us. To stay Alert and Alive in our response. The formation ended with the Prayer of Generosity of St Ignatius. This formation was very timely as there is a tendency to be complacent as the pandemic drags on with more people crying out for help. The need to use our God-given gifts to stir the spirit/mercy is now more urgent and vital than ever. – Herald Malaysia
