Misera and Mercy Misericordia et misera are the two words Saint Augustine uses to describe the encounter between Jesus and the adulteress (cf. Jn 8:1-11). He could not have found a more beautiful and coherent expression than this to help us understand the...
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Misera and Mercy Misericordia et misera are the two words Saint Augustine uses to describe the encounter between Jesus and the adulteress (cf. Jn 8:1-11). He could not have found a more beautiful and coherent expression than this to help us understand the mystery of God's love when he comes to meet the sinner: "Only two remained: misera and mercy" (Pope Francis). In the Gospel passage, the Lord helps the woman to read her own sin with his own gaze, with his own capacity for forgiveness. "Neither do I condemn you...go in peace." In the spiritual journey, in order to overcome the sense of guilt that oppresses and discourages, it is necessary to acquire the ability to place one's own limits and faults in the merciful embrace of God. Only in this way can one lightly resume the path and face the daily struggle against the suggestions of evil. Even though she was still at the beginning of her adventure of friendship with God, Maria De Mattias understood this well and so she was able to expre
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