The Social Dimension of Christian Mercy

Abstract

The article shows that mercy in the contemporary social teaching of the Church has been raised to the rank of an ethical and social principle. Similarly to other social principles, it is set on the grounds of Christian anthropology. This refers to the horizontal dimension of mercy, which takes different forms in interpersonal relations, resulting from well-recognised conditionings of time and place. A method of Catholic social teaching 'see – evaluate – act' is of great assistance here. However, one must not forget that mercy also has a vertical dimension. Jesus Christ, who reveals the mystery of God as the Father of mercy, becomes the incarnation of God's infinite mercy himself. In his teaching and deeds, he demonstrated free God's mercy, which saves and gives birth to a new life. As his disciples, we are called to live as He did, thanks to the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, who engrains in our hearts the lifestyle of Jesus Christ himself. Only in the perspective of God's love and mercy can human efforts in the social, cultural, political and economic spheres contribute to the creation of a true civilisation of love.