“May Jesus, who is the Good Shepherd in a myriad of ways … live in your heart and be your model.” (P.G. April 1880)
Ash Wednesday
With Gailhac, witnessing to divine mercy, revealed in the Good Shepherd.
On this day when we celebrate Ash Wednesday, Jesus, through the Gospel, invites us to a true conversion and not only a ritualistic one. This condition is fundamental to welcome the mercy of the Heavenly Father who, in the divine Son Jesus, makes Himself for us the Good Shepherd, “patient and full of love” always inclined to forgive.
Celebrating the Year of Jean Gailhac, we remember the one who dedicated his life to revealing the face of the Good Shepherd to all the people entrusted to him, inspiring his words and actions in this beautiful representation of divine charity. In the same way, we are also called today to imprint this image in our life and mission, in this world so lacking in compassion and care.
Therefore, like the psalmist, with a contrite and trusting heart in the Father’s mercy, let us not waste this great grace! Inspired by the image of Gailhac and the exhortation of Saint Paul, let us hurry to be reconciled with the One who always offers us His forgiveness and the possibility of a new life, as free gifts of His infinite love!
Rhânella Altina de Oliveira – Brazil
