Dives in Misericordia: “He Who Sees Me Sees the Father” (2, continued)

Chapter II of “Dives in Misericordia” (“Rich in Mercy”) is entitled “The Incarnation of Mercy.” It continues as follows:

“2. . . . The situation of the world today not only displays transformations that give grounds for hope in a better future for man on earth, but also reveals a multitude of threats, far surpassing those known up till now. Without ceasing to point out these threats on various occasions (as in addresses at UNO, to UNESCO, to FAO and elsewhere), the Church must at the same time examine them in the light of the truth received from God.

“The truth, revealed in Christ, about God the ‘Father of mercies,’¹⁶ enables us to ‘see’ Him as particularly close to man especially when man is suffering, when he is under threat at the very heart of his existence and dignity. And this is why, in the situation of the Church and the world today, many individuals and groups guided by a lively sense of faith are turning, I would say almost spontaneously, to the mercy of God. They are certainly being moved to do this by Christ Himself, who through His Spirit works within human hearts. For the mystery of God the ‘Father of mercies’ revealed by Christ becomes, in the context of today’s threats to man, as it were a unique appeal addressed to the Church.”

16. 2 Corinthians 1:3.

 

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Pope John Paul II: “Dives in Misericordia”