Icon of "Christ of Divine Mercy
and His Apostle Saint Faustina"
by Fr. William McNichols, S.J.
Divine Mercy Sunday is a fitting time for the "Justice & Peace Shall Kiss" blog to reflect on the relationship between Justice and Mercy.
Here is Pope John Paul II on the subject, from his 19080 Encyclical titled Dives in Misericordia - Rich in Mercy :
Dives in Misericordia VII:14 Translation by Rev. George W. Kosicki, C.S.B.
Thus the fundamental structure of justice always enters into the sphere of mercy.
Mercy, however, has the power to confer on justice a new content, which is expressed most simply and fully in forgiveness.
Forgiveness, in fact, shows that over and above the process of "equalizing” and “truce” which is specific to justice, love is necessary, so that persons may affirm themselves as human.
Fulfillment of the conditions of justice is especially indispensable in order that love may reveal its own image.
In analyzing the parable of the prodigal son, we have already called attention to the fact that he who forgives and he who is forgiven meet one another at a vital point, namely, the dignity or essential value of the person, a point which cannot be lost.
The confirming of this point of dignity of the person or finding it anew is a source of the greatest joy.
To learn more about Pope John Paul II and Divine Mercy Sunday, see the AmericanCatholic.org article on: Why Catholics Celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday
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