Mercy cannot be detached from a situation or another person. True mercy draws together the hearts of those involved in an encounter with God's transforming love. Mercy heals division and is crucial in shaping relationships between married couples, between parents and children and among friends. Forgiving one another establishes a foundation of reconciliation that acknowledges the triumph of God's love over sin. This generous call to forgive does not ignore the need for restitution when injury or insult has been incurred.
Forgiveness provides the basis for restitution between individuals.
A few years ago, members of our community initiated an outreach program in the North End of Winnipeg. Outreach teams went door to door asking people if they would like a home-visit from our parish. The response was overwhelming. Often during the visit, team members would find themselves asking the person forgiveness for a past hurt the Church had caused them. Simple acts of tender mercy like these resulted in the people experiencing God's compassion.