Mercy and Charity Together

The Jubilee Year of Mercy is a time for each one of us to reconsider the mystery and gift of mercy. Pope Francis reflects upon this great gift in The Face of Mercy, the Bull of Indiction that announced the Jubilee Year.

He writes, Jesus, seeing the crowds of people who followed him, realized that they were tired and exhausted, lost and without a guide, and he felt deep compassion for them (Mt. 9:36). On the basis of this compassionate love he healed the sick who were presented to him (Mt. 14:14), and with just a few loaves of bread and fish he satisfied the enormous crowd (Mt. 15:37).

What moved Jesus in all of these situations was nothing other than mercy, with which he read the hearts of those he encountered and responded to their deepest need.

Our work here at Sacred Heart Major Seminary is forming our students to be filled with mercy, to have a deep desire to feed the sheep, heal the sheep, and accompany the sheep along the journey of conversion. Sadly, in many cases, the concept of mercy has been reduced in contemporary society to mean nothing more than open permission to do anything without consideration of the truth.

That is far from the case.

Mercy is inextricably linked with the virtue of charity. In order for mercy to be authentic, it must be exercised in the context of charity and lead one to conversion. Mercy flows from a heart filled with love, a heart that wants the very best for the sheep. Thus, only when the shepherd truly loves the sheep can he exercise authentic mercy.

As you read these articles and explore the latest news about the activities here at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, be assured that we hold you in prayer. As a friend and benefactor, you are part of the great mission of Sacred Heart to form priests, deacons, and lay leaders for the dynamic and challenging work of ministry.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Msgr. Todd J. Lajiness

Rector/President