A Journey of Mercy

This holiday season many of us have taken journeys. We traveled near and far to meet friends and family for meals and parties. There are probably quite a few of us who are exhausted right now—and ready for the holidays to be over. But the Christmas season is still here, and we can still rejoice together in it.

Muhamed, 5, inside a tent at a refugee aid point in Kanjiza, Serbia, before traveling to Germany with his father. CRS is providing basic medical services and information at the aid station. Photo by Kira Horvath for CRS

This week we celebrate the Epiphany—when Jesus was revealed to the three wise men and then to the rest of the world. The wise men came a long way with gifts to see a king. We can’t know what they expected to see. But their long journey didn’t take them to a palace or guarded estate. They found Jesus nestled in a meager manger; almighty power in the form of a helpless baby dependent on the mercy of others.

This year, we observe the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Pope Francis asks us to be vessels of God’s mercy for others. In turn, we have the opportunity to find Jesus. The pope calls it a “journey that starts with a spiritual conversion.” By following a path of mercy, we, like the wise men, have the opportunity to experience God’s tenderness and closeness.

Spreading God’s mercy is central to the mission of the Catholic Church. By supporting Catholic Relief Services, your journey of mercy continues. Together we feed the hungry by teaching farmers how to make the most of their crops. We give drink to the thirsty by bringing water to the driest places on earth. We offer shelter to the homeless by helping victims of natural disasters or war. We care for the sick and orphans, reaching millions of people threatened by HIV, malaria and Ebola. We do this together for all of God’s people.

Living a life of mercy is not easy. During our travels, we may get weary or distracted. But it’s a journey that changes us spiritually. We may not always have a star in the sky to guide us, but we have something just as important—faith in God and each other.

Celebrate the Year of Mercy by joining Footsteps in Faith. Contribute monthly and join a faith community tied together by a commitment to serving those in greatest need.