"God of Mercy"

Maxine Shonk, OP (Dominican Sisters Grand Rapids)

Shared by Sister Sarah Hennessey

"May you be blessed by the God of Mercy who forgives you, beckons you, and gives you courage to know your dependence on the One who possesses you. May you know God's love in the face of fear and failure, brokenness and pain. May your readiness to forgive others bring them to trust more deeply in the compassion and mercy of God. May the blessing of Mercy be on you."

Nearly a decade ago, before Sister Julia Walsh began her podcast Messy Jesus Business (FYI - her next guest will be Fr. James Martin, SJ on 1/30!), I was invited to write a reflection for her blog, which also went by the same name. It was 2016, and I had recently attended a concert at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee by Irish musician Glen Hansard. One of the songs that he sings, titled "Her Mercy", has as its refrain:

And when you’re ready … for her mercy … and you’re worthy … it will come.

At that time, I shared how Pope Francis was inviting us into a Year of Mercy.

"He did so without precondition, without limitation; not everyone may be ready, but we are all worthy and it will come. The works of mercy, much like the beatitudes, are concrete examples of the Gospel carried out. ...The difficulty of promoting mercy though, is that we must also be willing to participate in the pursuit of justice for it to come."

Last week, Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde invited not only the current administration, but in a way, each one of us, to consider mercy when we encounter the stranger. Her plea was not antagonistic, it was not a reproach, but a reminder and an invitation to consider the human behind the label.

And when you’re ready … for her mercy … and you’re worthy … it will come.

On Sunday, I had the opportunity to attend the installation of Pastor Kathryn Thompson, a wonderful human being, as campus minister for LuMin - an organization which serves our three colleges in La Crosse for the Lutheran church. It was my first time attending a Lutheran service, and I so appreciated the invitation.

Bishop Felix Malpica gave the homily, and in addressing Kathryn, and those of us in attendance, he repeatedly reminded us that "the love of God calls us to act differently." Responding to the passage about being the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16), he implored those gathered to not lose their saltiness. Our neighbors and our communities are in need of our story - a Gospel which calls us to love the stranger (the immigrant), to speak out against injustice, and to challenge when necessary. "Don't lose your salt," he instructed those gathered. We ended in a sendoff that took me back to being a student at Viterbo while sitting in San Damiano as Earl Madary and the choir sang, "We Are Marching in the Light of God."

And when you’re ready … for her mercy … and you’re worthy … it will come.

In the next month or so, I will be sharing ways that the FSPA are responding to our brothers and sisters who are immigrants. There will be opportunities to learn more, and if you feel called, opportunities to respond as well. The FSPA is a congregation that arrived in this country 175 years ago to serve migrant communities, and that drive, that faith, that call to mercy has not diminished.

As a reminder, Sister Georgia Christensen is collecting prayers for immigrants and those working with immigrants that will be put together in a booklet. If you would like to contribute a prayer, please email Sister Georgia at gchristensen@fspa.org by Thursday, January 30th.

Lastly, the above image was shared with me by Affiliate Lavina Taylor (Tuxcon, AZ) in response to Sister Georgia's request. "This is a crucifix made by Eduardo Rahbe who lives in Southern Arizona in the town of Elfrida. He was born in Venezuela of parents who were from the Middle East. He has been in the United States for a long time. He is legally blind and makes the crosses as his morning meditation." This cross hangs in the Poverello House of Tuscon, which offers mercy to those in need of shelter and rest. May this crucifix remind you of the plea for mercy that we are all worthy of . . .

And when you’re ready … for her mercy … and you’re worthy … it will come.

In peace and goodness,

Michael Krueger

Please feel free to reach out to me at mkrueger@fspa.org or 608-668-2588 (ext. 652) with any questions. Office Hours can be found at end of newsletter.

In this week's Franciscan Journey, we share a number of events taking place through February. As a reminder, events related to the Franciscan Centenary's celebration of the canticle can be found here.

Prairiewoods Marketing Coordinator Andi Lewis and five other women connected to the FSPA recently spent nine days at the US/Mexico border. If you feel called to learn more about the experiences of people migrating into the United States and how you can stand with them in solidarity, we invite you to join Andi as she shares her experience. Register by 1:00 pm to join.

You are invited to join the FSPA Land Sustainability team for a 45-minute presentation followed by a social and Q&A. Drinks and light refreshments provided. Come and go as you can! This presentation will cover land projects and events that have been taking place. To join over Zoom click here.

Hear from legal and community advocates working with people seeking asylum at the Arizona/Mexico border and in Chicago. Learn what the current situation is, what is anticipated, and how people of faith can welcome and accompany asylum seekers, while advocating for a compassionate system that welcomes our neighbors and strengthens our communities. Register here.

Join the Integral Ecology team for our annual Great Backyard Bird Count! The Great Backyard Bird Count is a citizen science project that collects bird observation data to help with conservation. Meet outside the greenhouse and dress for a birdwatching walk outdoors. Hot cocoa and cookies will be provided. Bring your own binoculars or check out a pair from the Ingegral Ecology Office (room 128). If you're unable to join us on the land, we encourage you to participate independently at home. Learn more about the event and how to participate at birdcount.org. 

Affiliate Arlene Bonacci (Antigo, WI) passed away on December 28th. Arlene served her community in many ways - participating on county boards, serving as an educator, being a guardian to many, and also serving on the board for St. Anthony's Spirituality Center. You can read more about her life here.

Affiliate Darlene Pryds (Martinez, CA) shared her reflection "Finding My Way as a Lay Franciscan" in the Franciscan Federation's most recent newsletter - The Damiano. Scroll all the way to the end to read her insightful reflection.

As a reminder, the Ministry Grant process for FY26 is now open. The grant request cap is $9,000 per application. You can download the forms here: FSPA Sponsor Guidelines, Sponsor Form, Ministry Grant Application. Reminder that all paperwork needs to be submitted by 3/1/25. Previous grants have included:

Affiliate Terri Sersch (WI Rapids, WI) sponsored a grant for St. Anthony Spirituality Center to help provide financial assistance to low-income women in recovery from drug and/or alcohol addiction who could not attend the supportive offerings otherwise.

Sister Suzanne Rubenbauer sponsored a grant for the Presentation Lantern Center in Dubuque, Iowa which provides hospitality, educational opportunities, and advocacy to adult immigrants.

Early January snowfall - Mary of the Angels Chapel