Christmas Holiday Special - Magazine - Page 3
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MERCY
Wednesday‘s Word
“Read the gospels! This way we will learn what is most
essential in our lives: love and mercy.” Pope Francis
Who did the people think that John the Baptist might be? In this Sunday’s Gospel, John the
Baptist prepares the people for the coming of Jesus. He tells them to share with others and to
show mercy – to put people (not money or power) first; to feel for those who suffer and to do
something to help. Within the Catholic Church, these actions, attending to people’s basic needs,
are known as Corporal (or physical) Works of Mercy. Ask your child what the word ‘mercy’ means
to them. You may want to share with your child what the word ‘mercy’ means to you. Can you
or your child remember a time when you were merciful and gave someone another chance?
“God is merciful towards us. We too should learn to be merciful.” Pope Francis
The Church also encourages us to perform Spiritual Works of Mercy. These include: being
compassionate; being patient with others even if we are being treated unfairly; forgiving
others (even if we feel they don’t deserve forgiveness); sometimes giving people more than
they deserve. Merciful people do things out of their love and care for others and this helps
make the world a better place. Who do you know to be a merciful person? Each time we
show ‘mercy’, we open ourselves to receive mercy from God. Each of you say if there is
someone to whom you could show mercy this Advent.
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ORDSEARCH
EDNESDAY
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SMARTSEARCHERS FIND THESE EIGHT
WORDS EITHER ACROSS OR DOWN
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SUPERSEARCHERS FIND THE WORDS
BACKWARDS OR DIAGONALLY
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umodrew Jowhund tuhwand Bawptistud
_ _ _ _ the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ said, “Someone is coming,
someone who is _ _ _ _ powerful _ _ _ _ I am.”
The Catholic Church encourages us to prepare for Christmas and experience
God’s mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession).
During Advent, many parish churches also offer special Reconciliation Services
for us to experience God’s love, mercy and forgiveness. All are warmly invited.
