As Pilgrims of Hope, we embark on a journey of faith, guided by the principles of compassion, kindness, and mercy. In a world often marked by division, injustice, and suffering, our call to mercy is more urgent than ever. Mercy is not just a feeling or an act; it is a way of life. It involves seeing the world through the eyes of God, recognising the inherent dignity and worth of every human being, and responding with empathy, understanding, and kindness. As we strive to live out our faith, we are confronted with the question: “How merciful are you?” BETTY AMUKPO puts forward this question to some teens. They responded thus:
‘As Pilgrims of hope, we are called to show compassion’
As Pilgrims of hope, we are called to show compassion to the suffering, just as Jesus taught us (Matthew 25: 31-46). By caring for the least of these, feeding the hungry, and visiting the imprisoned, we demonstrate God’s mercy, bringing hope to a world in need.
• Mokele Anita
‘Mercy is more than just feeling sorry for someone’
We are all called to be pilgrims of hope, walking with God and sharing His love with the world. But how do we live out this call in our daily lives? One important way is through mercy. Mercy is more than just feeling sorry for someone; it’s actively choosing to show kindness and compassion, even when it’s difficult. Jesus himself was the ultimate example of mercy, forgiving sins and offering healing to those who were hurting. He taught us to “be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). Think about how you can show mercy to others. Maybe it’s offering a helping hand to someone in need, forgiving a friend who has hurt you, or simply being kind to someone who is different from you. Remember, even small acts of mercy can have a big impact on the world around us.
• Blossom Akalezi
‘We visit the sick, the elderly, and those in prison, offering comfort’
As Pilgrims of Hope, we recognise that mercy is a fundamental aspect of our faith. By demonstrating mercy in these ways, we seek to reflect God’s love and compassion to a world in need. We pray for those in need, asking God to show them mercy and compassion. We intercede on behalf of others, seeking God’s mercy and forgiveness for those who have wronged us or others. We visit the sick, the elderly, and those in prison, offering comfort, support, and companionship. We provide food and other essential items to those in need, demonstrating God’s mercy and provision. We strive to forgive those who have wronged us, just as God forgives us. We seek forgiveness from those we have wronged, making amends and working towards reconciliation. We work to reconcile relationships that have been damaged or broken, seeking to restore harmony and unity.
• Awaki Barnabas
‘We are called to forgive and show compassion’
As a child of God, I try my best to have compassion, forbearance and clemency on those who offend me, or those who are in a vulnerable position. Matthew 5:7 states, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.
• Francis Chibunna Umennadi
‘Being patient, understanding and let go of grudges’
Be kind and compassionate to one another; be patient and understanding. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy; be merciful, just as our Father is merciful. We should be patient and understanding, and let go of grudges and forgive those who wrong us, just as God forgives us. Matthew 6:14-15 states, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, our heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Love your neighbour, for love is patient; love is kind; it doesn’t envy; love is not proud. Be merciful and carry each other’s burden, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.
• Chima Anita
‘Mercy is showing Grace to those who don’t deserve it’
Mercy is showing Grace to those who don’t deserve it. Doing good for people who hate you, is showing Mercy. If your enemy is thirsty, give him something to drink, if hungry, feed him. Psalm 51:1 – Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. A different call for mercy. So, here are 5 facets to God’s mercy – and how we can show it to others in our daily lives. 1.) Be patient with quirks. 2.) Help anyone hurting around you. 3.) Do good to those who hurt me. 4.) Be kind to those who offend me. 5.) Build bridges of love to everyone. So, in summary, the major characteristics of mercy are: Kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, generosity, graciousness and being undeserved.
• Bryan Okononfua
‘We must ask the Lord to share with us the grace of Divine Mercy’
“Forgiving people who have offended us is not easy. We must ask the Lord to share with us the grace of Divine Mercy”, says Pope Francis. To be merciful means to forgive, to have pity, compassion and kindness towards people. God showed us mercy by sacrificing His only Son Jesus Christ to pay the price of our sins. Luke 6:36: “Be merciful even as your Father is merciful”. James 2:13: ” For judgement is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy”. Mercy triumphs over judgement. It is written in Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
• Ojimmadu Sandra
‘I help those in need and pray for others’
As a Pilgrim of Hope, I show mercy by forgiving others, just as God forgives me (Colossians 3:13). Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7). I help those in need and pray for others because God is kind to the ungrateful and wicked (Luke 6:35).
• Ogoke Chimamanda Anthonia
