The Forgiving Face of Mercy
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Week
Reader
We gather in the name of the Father
All
Whose generosity is seen
in the abundance of Creation in his deep, abiding love for humanity.
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Reader
We gather in the name of the Son
All
Who emptied himself
in the service of the Father and of the people he was called to serve;
who gave his life and love unconditionally
so that others might have life –
life in all its fullness.
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Reader
We gather in the name of the Holy Spirit
All
Whose presence is sensed
in the generosity of his giftings—
pouring out onto humanity
the richness of the life of God.
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Reader
We gather…
All
(making the Sign of the Cross)
in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
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
What motivates the characters in the parable?

Who do I identify with most?

When have I experienced someone being far more
generous than seems reasonable?
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
What do we make of the different characters Jesus puts
before us in this Gospel?

Who can we think of in public life who shows extreme
generosity—in terms of money or time and energy given
to others?

Where do we pick up a sense of
meanness? Financial or in attitudes
towards others?
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
How does this short passage reflect the attitude and
behaviour of the father in the parable of the Prodigal
Son?

Can we think of examples of such “visceral” love in our
family—friends—or wider world?

How well does this description of
God fit in with our own images
of God?
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
How aware am I of the people without homes of their
own in my neighbourhood?

How well do I bear the wrongs that are an inevitable part
of life?
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Lord Jesus Christ,
you use the lives of families
to teach us about the life of the eternal family
and the generous mercy
of the Father for all his children.
Help us to reflect this
in our dealings with others
so that the world might come to know
the powerful and fathomless love of God,
We ask this in your name.
Amen.
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Department for Spirituality
Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle,
St Vincent’s Offices, St Cuthbert’s House, West Road,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE15 7PY
Telephone: 0191 243 3302
Email: spirituality@diocesehn.org.uk
© 2016 Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle
Image: Contributor Jozef Sedmak © 123rf.com
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