November 1.  Mavis had loved her uncle even though she knew that he wasn’t a really honest man.  After his death she spoke to a trusted priest friend.  “Will he be in purgatory now? Can I pray for him?” He listened carefully and replied, “I don’t know how we can really get to understand God’s wisdom, love and mercy. We recognise a cycle of sin, repentance, forgiveness. But even if someone does not appear to repent we also believe that mercy can somehow be transferred from one person to another.  In simple terms,  our prayers can benefit others.  We try to grow in our understanding of God especially in cases where we recognize disobedience, and sinfulness.” They then concluded, “Let us also pray for the most life-giving outcome for our country of the local elections.”      

God has consigned all men to disobedience that he may have mercy upon all.  O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God. Who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counsellor?”   From Romans 11:29-36.   Pope Francis:  Mercy is not only the working of the Father, it becomes a criterion for knowing who his true children are. We are called to show mercy because mercy was first shown to us.  AL310.  Human beings are so made that they cannot live, develop and find fulfilment except in the sincere gift of self to others. FT87. Reflect, share, act and pray