E. Levin nuotr.
As Sr. Cathy noted, it was fitting that the gathering began by praying for God’s mercy upon ourselves and upon the whole world. In one way or another, all of us are called to serve. Some are catechists, some assist at the Eucharist, some sing in the choir, and others serve as parents or grandparents. Even when our service has no official title, our baptism gives us a mission: to bring the Good News to others. Every ministry in the Church, whatever form it takes, should be rooted in the mercy of God.
Sr. Cathy invited participants to reflect on two biblical passages that reveal how inseparable mercy is from Christian ministry.
The prophet Isaiah lived in the eighth century before Christ and tirelessly called people to conversion and repentance. Although he knew the Lord, it was only when he encountered God face to face in His holiness that he truly came to know himself. Isaiah realized that he was no better than the people to whom he preached and that he, too, stood in need of God’s mercy. Only after receiving that mercy could he answer God's call: “Here I am; send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).
This recognition lies at the heart of all Christian service. Those who minister in the Church must first acknowledge that they are sinners in need of grace. Only through humility can we stand before God and serve Him faithfully.
Reflecting on Isaiah’s call, Sr. Cathy explored the meaning of humility itself. The English word humility comes from the Latin humus, meaning earth, soil, or dust – the very substance from which humanity was formed. True humility does not deny human dignity; rather, it recognizes reality. We are creatures, and God is God. To serve humbly, we must know who we are and who the Lord is. We are deeply in need of mercy, and God longs to pour that mercy out upon us.
The Prodigal Son Through Rembrandt’s Eyes
Sr. Cathy then turned to the familiar story of the Prodigal Son, reflected through Rembrandt’s famous painting The Return of the Prodigal Son. The painting’s three central figures – the younger son, the elder son, and the father – captured Rembrandt’s imagination throughout his life. He saw something of himself in each of them, and in his later years felt called to become more like the father.
Several details of the painting reveal profound spiritual truths.
The younger son’s feet. These are the feet of someone who has traveled a long and difficult road. They left the father’s house dressed in luxury but returned bruised, worn, and bare. The son kneels before his father with nothing left. All he can do is place himself before his father’s mercy.
The elder son’s face. He appears confused and unable to comprehend the father’s compassion. His relationship with his brother is shaped by comparison and competition. Unlike the younger son, who has come to recognize his own poverty, the elder son struggles both to understand and to accept mercy.
The father’s eyes and hands. The father appears elderly, gentle, and almost blind, yet he recognizes his son immediately. His hands are strikingly different. One is strong and paternal, symbolizing God the Creator who governs all things. The other is tender and maternal, expressing compassion, care, and nurturing love.
Be Merciful to Yourself
Those who serve in the Church are called to reflect both the fatherhood and motherhood of God. Having ourselves returned home, we are called to wait patiently for others who are still on the journey. Having been welcomed and embraced, we are called to welcome and embrace others. Having received mercy, we are called to extend that same mercy to those around us. As children of the Father, we are invited to become more like Him.
Yet we live in a culture that prizes speed, productivity, and constant activity. How can we allow God to work patiently and gradually in such an environment?
Sr. Cathy’s answer was simple: be merciful to yourself.
God calls us to love Him, to love our neighbors, and to love ourselves. He invites us to show compassion not only to others but also to ourselves. Too often, those engaged in ministry know how to care for everyone else while neglecting their own spiritual and human needs. But we cannot pour from an empty cup. Only when we allow ourselves to be filled with God’s mercy can we share that mercy with others.
Sr. Cathy concluded with a prayer:
God, help us, Your servants,
to live with purpose,
to live in freedom and detachment,
to live wisely and humbly,
to live justly and mercifully,
to live with love and faithfulness,
to live attentively,
to live gratefully and generously,
to live fully and enthusiastically.
Above all, loving and merciful God,
root us deeply in Your merciful love
and help us share Your mercy with others.
Amen.