Mercy

this time of distraction, wars, negativity we must remain vigilant and awaken in us the ability to look to the essentials. It is a time for recovering the meaning of the mission that the Lord has entrusted to us during the day of Easter, that is to be sign and instrument of the Father's mercy.A question is present in our hearts: why right now a Jubilee of Mercy? Simply because the Church, in this time of great upheavals, is called upon to offer more strongly the signs of the presence and closeness of God. The special Jubilee of Mercy has been opened on December 8, 2015 and will end on November 20, 2016. Pope Francis spoke about the resurrection of Christ and about tragedies, that are afflicting at this time thousands of faithfuls, remembering the words of the Risen Jesus to his disciples on Easter evening: “Peace be with you”. Peace, especially at this time, is the desire of all people who suffer the unheard violence of discrimination and death at all levels around the world. Our prayer must be therefore more intense and become a cry for help to the Father which is rich in mercy, for sustaining the faith of brothers and sisters who are in pain; we all must switch from indifference to compassion.

As I delve into Imām Riḍā’s civilizational thought, exploring the concept of justice and its implications, I find myself drawn to the parallels between his teachings and those of Jesus Christ. Imām Riḍā’s legacy of justice for everyone and injustice for no one resonates deeply with the core teachings of Christianity, particularly as embodied in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Both figures exemplify a profound commitment to mercy, compassion, and the pursuit of righteousness. One striking aspect of Imām Riḍā’s teachings is his emphasis on mercy for all believers, a principle that finds resonance in Jesus’ teachings on love and forgiveness. The example set by Imām Riḍā in praying for the prosperity of all believers reflects Jesus’ call to love one another and to pray even for our enemies. Moreover, Imām Riḍā’s respect for all individuals, regardless of their social status or background, mirrors Jesus’ interactions with people from all walks of life. Both figures demonstrate a deep reverence for the inherent dignity of every human being, challenging us to overcome prejudice and embrace the inherent worth of all individuals. The theme of caring for the needy is another point of convergence between Imām Riḍā and Jesus. Imām Riḍā’s choice to stay with the destitute during his travels and Jesus’ teachings on caring for the poor highlight the shared imperative to uplift the marginalized and alleviate suffering in our communities. Furthermore, both Imām Riḍā and Jesus exemplify affability toward others, emphasizing the importance of kindness, humility, and compassion in our interactions with one another. Their teachings remind us of the transformative power of love and the profound impact of acts of kindness on individuals and communities. Imām Riḍā’s emphasis on forgiving the faults of others echoes Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness and reconciliation. Both figures challenge us to overcome resentment and bitterness, extending grace and mercy to those who have wronged us. Additionally, Imām Riḍā and Jesus share a commitment to humane treatment of all people, regardless of their faith or ethnicity. Their teachings emphasize the importance of respecting human rights and promoting justice and equality for all members of society. Imām Riḍā’s civilizational thought offers valuable insights into the shared values that unite humanity across religious divides. As Christians and Muslims, we have much to learn from one another’s traditions, and through dialogue and cooperation, we can work together to build a more just, compassionate, and inclusive world.