# Advent Reflections on Mercy from Pope Francis
*2015-12-09*

> Bill Young introduces the Advent portion of Pope Francis’ “Seasons of Mercy,” inviting listeners to recall their personal encounter with Christ’s mercy and to prepare for Christmas.

## Opening the Hour of Mercy

Good afternoon, this is Bill Young and welcome to the 3 o’clock hour, the hour of mercy. We’re reading from a little book called *Seasons of Mercy: Reflections by Pope Francis for Living the Holy Year of Mercy*, season by season. Since we’re in Advent, we’ll begin with the Advent reflection.

## Waiting for Mercy Incarnate

The text says, “Waiting to encounter mercy incarnate.” In the life of every Christian there is an experience of personal encounter with Jesus Christ, who calls us to follow Him and share in His mission. We must keep the treasure of that encounter alive in our hearts—the living memory of the call.

## Recalling the Moment of Mercy

When Jesus passes by, He gazes at us with mercy and asks us to follow Him. Try to receive the memory of that moment when His eyes met yours, when He made you realize that He loves you. If you have forgotten it or strayed from the path, pray: “Lord, help me, for I know I want to encounter You and be embraced by Your mercy.”

## Mary as Our Guide

Mary sustains our journey toward Christmas, teaching us how to live this Advent season in expectation of the Lord. Advent is indeed a time of waiting for the Lord who will visit us, preparing us for the feast of Christmas and for the deeper feast that takes place in each of our hearts.

*Advent invites us to remember and renew our personal encounter with Christ’s merciful love.*