We exist in the infinite embrace of God’s mercy. In mercy, we all were created. In mercy, we all live. In mercy, we all have the hope of eternal life.
The lavish mercy of God pours over us in every sunrise and sunset, in every noon and midnight. With every breath, we draw on mercy. With every thought, we capture its spirit and turn it to our hope. The gift of such divine power in us calls us to lavish mercy with our own lives, to be agents of mercy in all things.
This journal is offered as an act of thanksgiving and celebration for that lavish mercy. It is a gathering of reflections and prayers which sift through our ordinary experience to seek the breath-giving grace of God awaiting us there.
My name is Renee Yann. I am a Sister of Mercy. I love to chase God through the bright blessing of words. I love to discover words in the dark blessing of silence. It is a joy to share with you the humble fruit of those mutual blessings.
Our entire theological tradition is expressed in terms of Mercy, which I define as the willingness to enter into the chaos of others. James F. Keenan, S.J.
These reflections during Eastertide 2026 are reblogs from 2023 and 2020.
Our readings for those years were the same as this year’s, and some of the thoughts might be worth rethinking. I hope my long-timers enjoy them a second time, and that my new-timers appreciate a trip back in time. I thank all of you for journeying with me on Lavish Mercy.
Faithfulness, a Fruit of the Holy Spirit, strengthens us to be loyal to God and God’s promises. Faithfulness is demonstrated by loyalty to friends, duties performed, promises kept, commitments fulfilled, contracts completed, vows observed, and being true to one’s word.
Today is the feast of St. Matthias, of whom we know very little except this:
Peter said, “Therefore, it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”
So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. Acts 1:21-26
Thus, a central theme when considering Matthias is that of choice – who chooses, what they choose, and the outcome of that choice?
MATTHIAS
Matthias’s own choice seems central here. He chose Jesus from the very beginning and stayed faithful to that choice. He continued his discipleship even though Jesus did not elevate him to apostle. How might Matthias’s humble faithfulness inspire us when our efforts seem unrecognized or unappreciated?
JESUS
What about Jesus’s choices, silently referenced by this passage from Acts? Did Jesus make a poor choice when he picked Judas over Matthias? How might Jesus have dealt with his disappointment in Judas? Within our own lives, how do we incorporate failed choices into our spiritual understanding?
JOSEPH BARSABBAS
Then there’s the bit actor here, Joseph called Barsabbas? Joseph was likely an unassuming man. Rather than call him by his given name, people called him “Barsabbas” – a reference to his perhaps more important father. Maybe Joseph was still young and hadn’t established recognition for his commitment. What was it like for him to be nominated, but not elected? When the lot fell against him, how did it affect his understanding of God’s call?
APOSTLES
Finally, let’s look at the Apostles and their choices. They responded to Peter’s call for action. They prayed. Then their decision-making seems to have been vested in the casting of lots, a rather popular method in biblical times. ( See Proverbs 16:33, Leviticus 16:8, Joshua 18:10, Matthew 27:35, 1 Chronicles 24:5, Jonah 1:7, Leviticus 16:8.)
YOU AND ME
Tossing the dice may be an easier way, but how well have I learned the process of discernment? To what degree do I participate in the synodal dialogue initiated by Pope Francis and continued by Pope Leo to create a renewed dynamic for the Gospel mission?
That’s what the Apostles were trying to do – recharge the Gospel Mission. Just as they sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their choice of Matthias, we do the same today, albeit through a different method, but hopefully with the same faith.
Poem: Fear of Being Chosen – Sister Natalia, member of Christ the Bridegroom Byzantine Catholic Monastery
O Matthias, what did you think, what did you feel, when you were beckoned forward? Did your heart race at the idea of joining ranks with those eleven? Eleven different types of broken, all seeking to be whole.
Did you fear the possibility of secret brokenness revealed? And did you also feel the thrill of sure adventure, after having seen the ups and downs of the men whose eyes were now on you?
You’d seen their pain, their dying, and in your heart felt a pull. One thing you must have known, known without a doubt being witness to the resurrection would mean a life of miracles.
And when you heard your name called out, and reality sunk in, did you feel that joyful pain of knowing that all now know that you are His?
Did your thoughts bounce back and forth between death and resurrection? And did you steal one more glance at Joseph Barsabbas and wonder, “Why not him?”
For Your Reflection as you pray with the scripture passage beginning the reflection:
What feelings or reactions do I have after reading this reflection?
Do my feelings or reactions remind me of any passage or event in scripture, especially in the life of Christ?
What actions might I take today because of my response to these readings?
These reflections during Eastertide 2026 are reblogs from 2023 and 2020.
Our readings for those years were the same as this year’s, and some of the thoughts might be worth rethinking. I hope my long-timers enjoy them a second time, and that my new-timers appreciate a trip back in time. I thank all of you for journeying with me on Lavish Mercy.
These reflections during Eastertide 2026 are reblogs from 2023 and 2020.
Our readings for those years were the same as this year’s, and some of the thoughts might be worth rethinking. I hope my long-timers enjoy them a second time, and that my new-timers appreciate a trip back in time. I thank all of you for journeying with me on Lavish Mercy.
These reflections during Eastertide 2026 are reblogs from 2023 and 2020.
Our readings for those years were the same as this year’s, and some of the thoughts might be worth rethinking. I hope my long-timers enjoy them a second time, and that my new-timers appreciate a trip back in time. I thank all of you for journeying with me on Lavish Mercy.
Today, we pray in thanksgiving for all women who have chosen the vocation of motherhood. In a world fraught with confusion about the meaning of life, the choice is both selfless and daunting.
There is no greater human intimacy than to give one’s own flesh, blood, and bone to the incarnation of another. They are gifts a mother has received from the one who bore her. They are gifts that may be carried to generations beyond one’s imagination. Most importantly, they are Divine gifts whose source is the very Being of God – God, Who first begot life in a cosmic flash of grace never to be extinguished! Every mother is awash in that unquenchable cascade.
We pray today in thanksgiving for our own mothers, honoring all that is blessing in our relationship. And if there be any hurt unredeemed, we pray for understanding, forgiveness, acceptance, and healing.
We pray for all mothers, especially those bearing the harshness of injustice, poverty, discrimination, or isolation. May a community of compassion find and support them. May each of us do what we can to be such a community.
Finally, on this day, we give all mothers to Mary, our Blessed Mother. She will know what each of them most needs. We ask her to be generous in her hearing and response. Throughout the ages, Mary has been petitioned under many classical titles and images. Today, let’s pray with those particularly relevant to Mary as Mother.
Mother of Tenderness/Mercy – The Eleusa Icon (Greek: Ἐλεούσα – tenderness or showing mercy) is a depiction of the Virgin Mary in which the Christ Child is nestled against her cheek.
Contemplating her, let us pray for all young mothers who are learning both the joys and challenges of motherhood. Let us pray for mothers with mentally or physically burdened children. May Our Mother of Mercy strengthen their tenderness and fortitude.
Theotokaos (God-bearer) Panagia is the term for a particular type of icon of the Theotokos, wherein Mary faces the viewer directly, usually depicted full-length with her hands in a praying position, and with a medallion in front of her showing the image of the Christ child. This medallion symbolically represents Jesus within the womb of the Virgin Mary at the moment of the Incarnation.
Contemplating her, let us pray for all pregnant women, that their pregnancy will bless them too with the new life they are offering their child.
Hodegetria (She Who Shows the Way)
In these images, Mary holds Christ in her left hand, and with her right hand “shows the way” by pointing to Him.
Contemplating her, let us pray for all refugee mothers traversing the difficult path to safety for themselves and their children.
Madonna Lactans (Nursing Mother) The Virgin is depicted breastfeeding the Holy Infant. Our Lady Nursing, as painted in the Catacomb of Priscilla in Rome, c. 250 AD, is thought to be the earliest depiction of Mary.
Contemplating her, let us pray for all mothers who find it difficult to feed their children because of poverty, war, or any form of oppression.
Mater Dolorosa (Mother of Sorrows) Mary is in mourning, often near the cross, with tears, and sometimes a sword through her heart. (The image above is called Our Lady who softens evil hearts, Russian icon, 19th century)
Contemplating her, let us pray for all mothers who have lost their children through miscarriage, abortion, emotional alienation, or unexpected death. May the wounds of grief, sorrow, fear, or isolation be healed in their broken hearts.
Mater Amabilis (Loving Mother) Mary turns her gaze away from the Christ Child as she contemplates his future ministry.
Contemplating her, let us pray for all mothers of grown children who, no matter the distance, still prayerfully watch over their offspring. Let us be mindful of mothers who bear a deeper worry for their children’s safety because of their skin color, language, gender, or accent.
Music: Alma Redemptoris Mater
Alma Redemptoris Mater Loving Mother of our Redeemer, quae pervia caeli Porta manes, et stella maris gate of heaven, star of the sea, succurre cadenti, Surgere qui curat, populo assist your people who have fallen yet strive to rise again. tu quae genuisti, Natura mirante, tuum sanctum Genitorem To the wonderment of nature you bore your Creator, Virgo prius ac posterius: yet remained a virgin after as before. Gabrielis ab ore Sumens illud Ave, You who received Gabriel’s joyful greeting, peccatorum miserere have pity on us poor sinners.
These reflections during Eastertide 2026 are reblogs from 2023 and 2020.
Our readings for those years were the same as this year’s, and some of the thoughts might be worth rethinking. I hope my long-timers enjoy them a second time, and that my new-timers appreciate a trip back in time. I thank all of you for journeying with me on Lavish Mercy.
These reflections during Eastertide 2026 are reblogs from 2023 and 2020.
Our readings for those years were the same as this year’s, and some of the thoughts might be worth rethinking. I hope my long-timers enjoy them a second time, and that my new-timers appreciate a trip back in time. I thank all of you for journeying with me on Lavish Mercy.
These reflections during Eastertide 2026 are reblogs from 2023 and 2020.
Our readings for those years were the same as this year’s, and some of the thoughts might be worth rethinking. I hope my long-timers enjoy them a second time, and that my new-timers appreciate a trip back in time. I thank all of you for journeying with me on Lavish Mercy.
These reflections during Eastertide 2026 are reblogs from 2023 and 2020.
Our readings for those years were the same as this year’s, and some of the thoughts might be worth rethinking. I hope my long-timers enjoy them a second time, and that my new-timers appreciate a trip back in time. I thank all of you for journeying with me on Lavish Mercy.
Lavish Mercy 