"Misericordia" (Mercy)

It is from sensitivity and openness, from understanding and inclination towards those who are suffering that the precious word “misericordia” (mercy), indicating a shuddering and a sensitivity of the heart, has its origin.

This is precisely the point. Before moving the arms it is necessary that there be a movement of the heart, a disinterested self-giving, an inclination of the whole being as in the case of the Samaritan. Whoever is familiar with suffering cannot afford the luxury of passing on by.

So therefore, naturally, we are saying that suffering produces in all of humanity a grand movement of the Pasch (Easter), it draws people away from egocentric positions and towards others who are afflicted as though in a general crusade of solidarity.

This is the reason why the Second Vatican Council will also affirm that the Christian will not be able to find fullness except through the giving of self to others.

From the book “The Art of Being Happy” by Fr. Ignacio Larrañaga.