MERCY AND TRUTH SHALL MEET TOGETHER FOR RENEWAL AND FIDELITY IN THE CHURCH

Abstract

There has been an increased general interest on the theme of practice of  mercy and doctrinal truths  taught in  the Catholic Church in recent years. Sometimes, the discussion tends to emphasize,  or even pit one against   the other; or it gives the impression that mercy is a new theme in the Church.    This article reflects on the theme of truth and mercy which, to use the biblical expression, will meet together or  embrace (Cfr.Ps.85:10). The need for such meeting in the Church life and mission has become  more evident in our time  many call for renewal (or reform)  or for faithfulness in the  Church, whether as individuals, communities and structures. The    reflection  highlights the meaning, value and practice of mercy and truth, drawing elements from the Sacred Scriptures, the Church’s teaching, the writings of Venerable Fr. Pius Bruno Lanteri, and others.   It also considers the relationship between mercy and truth, and   indicates some of the specific spheres of life, the family life included, where mercy and truth embrace or should meet in action, in reality of life.