„Wyobraźnia” i „balsam” miłosierdzia

Abstract

Two metaphors: “creativity of mercy” and “balm of mercy” represent two popes who are keenly interested in the Divine and human mercy – St John Paul II and Francis. John Paul II used his characteristic expression “creativity of mercy” for the fi rst time in his letter Novo millennio ineunte, where we read: “Now is the time for a new ‘creativity’ in charity, not only by ensuring that help is effective but also by getting close to those who suffer, so that the hand that helps is seen not as a humiliating handout but as a sharing between brothers and sisters” (n. 50). Every Christian is obliged by the “creativity of mercy”, especially bishops, priests and monks. Then, Pope Francis, proclaiming the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy as a special time for the Church, expressed his desire: “May the balm of mercy reach everyone, both believers and those far away, as a sign that the Kingdom of God is already present in our midst!” (Misericordiae vultus, n. 5). Like his predecessor, Pope Francis also wants for the whole Church to become more sensitive to the mystery of God’s Mercy and to the needs of our fellow human beings. The article presents the meaning of the two metaphors in the teaching of both St John Paul II and Pope Francis.