So I've been feeling down lately because one and the other things in life and then this book showed up in my mail on last Friday. It was really unexpected and perfect time to shows up. I only ordered it like two weeks ago and usually, my order only comes in the third weeks or later. This is really one of those weekends I really need a book like this.
The Name of God is Mercy covers an interview conversation between Pope Francis and Andrea Tornielli, a veteran Vatican reporter. The topic in this book is centrally about mercy and forgiveness.
He identified mercy as a God's giving himself to us, accepting us and bowing to forgive. He came not for those who were good but for the sinners, not for the healthy who don't need a doctor but for the sick, mercy is God's identity card.
One thing stuck in my mind after reading this book is when he quotes Bruce Marshall's novel To Every Man a Penny. When one young man confesses his wrongdoing, and ask how can he repent when he thought if he had a chance, he would do it again. Then the abbot ask to him, "But are you sorry that you are not sorry?" In other words, said Pope Francis, he apologizes for not repenting. The door was opened just a crack, allowing absolution to come in. His mercy is infinitely greater than our sins, His medicine is infinitely stronger than our illness that He has to heal.
The most important thing is we need to recognize ourselves as a sinner. The more we acknowledge that we are in need, the more shame and humility we feel, the sooner we will feel His embrace of grace. He waits for us, He goes ahead of us, He extends his hand to us, He is patient with us.
Pope Francis address all of the topics thoughtfully and enlightening. I really gratitude I could read it in this particular week.
God never tires of forgiving, it is we who got tired of asking Him for forgiveness.
Rating 5/5 stars
Originally posted on my Goodreads page, April 24, 2016.
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