Freely You Received Freely You Give

About the Book FREELY YOU RECEIVED FREELY YOU GIVE Mercy, the keynote message of the life and teaching of Jesus Christ, is another name for Christianity. According to Pope Francis, "mercy is the central theme of the Gospel. Otherwise, one cannot understand Jesus Christ, the kindness of the Father who sent him to listen to us, to heal us, to save us." Citing the exemplary life of five role models of mercy, the author establishes that through mercy and compassion they have become messengers of God's tenderness in a broken world. These stalwarts of mercy personified are: Jesus Christ, Mercy Incarnate; Francis of Assisi, Brother Mercy; Teresa of Kolkata, Mother Mercy; Alphonsa, FCC, Sister Mercy; and Pope Francis, Father Mercy. Written in a simple language with clarity and full focus on mercy, this book can, no doubt, be a very valuable help to live and spread the Gospel of Mercy, summarized in the Beatitude: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" (Mt. 5: 7) and in the words of Jesus: "For just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me (Mt. 25: 40)." As you read this book, you will be truly inspired to give your time, talents and resources to the needy and suffering and feel immense joy and fulfilment. Mercy is the key to heaven, and the more freely we give, the more we shall receive from the merciful Lord especially an understanding mind and a heart of flesh to bear witness to his pure love through works of mercy. Those who respond to the call of mercy, indeed, are messengers of light, hope, love, peace and joy! Aloysius Kattady, Third Order Regular Franciscan, is the author of fifteen books, eight of which have been published by St. Pauls. Ordained a priest in 1962, he holds an MA degree from the Catholic University of America. As priest, most of his services were offered in the areas of education, development, religious administration and spiritual assistance. Contents INTRODUCTION I DIVINE - HUMAN GIFT OF MERCY 1. Nature of Mercy 2. Mercy in Literary Works 3. Socio-Spiritual Dimension of Mercy 4. Divine Mercy II JESUS: MERCY INCARNATE 1. Mercy in the Life of Jesus. 2. Mercy in the Teaching of Jesus 3. Mercy and the Kingdom of God. 4. The Solicitude of the Church for Mercy III ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI: BROTHER MERCY 1. Mercy as Key Factor of Conversion 2. Merciful Attitude Towards the Poor 3. Merciful Care of Lepers 4. Merciful Love for Creation. IV BLESSED TERESA OF KOLKATA: MOTHER MERCY 1. Mercy as Core of Love. 2. Mercy as Respect for Every Person. 3. Mercy to the Poorest of the Poor 4. Merciful Woman of Peace V ST. ALPHONSA: SISTER MERCY 1. Mercy as Compassion for Jesus 2. Mercy as Patient Suffering 3. Mercy as Kindness. 4. Mercy as Forgiveness. VI POPE FRANCIS: FATHER MERCY 1. A Merciful Leader Prepared by God 2. The Message of Mercy 3. Touching Witness of Mercy 4. Merciful Vision of a Poor Church for the Poor CONCLUSION