# A Prayer for the Jubilee of Mercy
*2015-12-14*

> Bill Young shares Pope Francis’ prayer for the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, reflecting on Christ’s call to forgiveness and the Church’s mission to bring mercy to the world.

## Opening the Hour of Mercy

Good afternoon, this is Bill Young, and welcome to the 3 o’clock hour, the hour of mercy. Today we pray the prayer that Pope Francis composed for the Jubilee of Mercy.

## The Prayer to the Lord

Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be merciful as the Heavenly Father. You have shown us that whoever believes in you will be saved. Your loving gaze freed Zechariah and Matthew from the slavery of money, and you freed the adulteress and the Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things. You made Peter weep after his betrayal, and you promised paradise to the repentant thief.

Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words you spoke to the Samaritan woman: “If you knew the gift of God…” You are the visible faith of the invisible Father, the God who manifests his power above all through forgiveness and mercy. Let the Church be your visible faith in the world, risen and glorified.

## Mercy in Action

You willed that ministries would be opened in weakness so that you might feel compassion for those in ignorance. May everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God. Send your Spirit and consecrate each of us with its anointing, that the jubilee of mercy may be the grace of the year of grace from the Lord and his Church, renewed through the Holy Spirit.

May it bring the good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to the captive and oppressed, and restore sight to the blind.

## Conclusion

We ask this of you, Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy, you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

*The Jubilee of Mercy calls us to become visible signs of God’s forgiveness in a world that longs for love and healing.*