Biblical God of Mercy: Reading Walter Kasper

Editor: In a series of reflections to be published on The Congregation's website over the coming months, Jo O'Donovan rsm offers us an introduction to Walter Kasper's 'Mercy', the book Pope Francis said has done him 'so much good'.

Sr Jo's reflections will help break open the text of 'Mercy' for readers and assist them in their reflections on Cardinal Kasper's insights and wisdom. Each month's reflection is being made available as a PDF for download.

Reflection One: March - 'The Biblical God of Mercy'

Writes Sr Jo: 'The reflections will be a sprint through Kasper. A German theologian of high stature, he writes comprehensively, bringing all theology under the umbrella of divine mercy. He is not an easy read. But like another German theologian, Emeritus Benedict XVI, he is worth the effort because he rewards us with luminous insights that give such life.'

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Reflection Two: April - 'Only a Suffering God Can Help'

Continuing with Cardinal Kasper’s book, Mercy, we will be asking this month: ‘does God suffer?’ Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s proclamatory statement - Only a suffering God can help – has always inspired me.

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Reflection Three: May- 'Be You Merciful as Your Heavenly Father is Merciful (Lk 6:36)'

Chapter 6. This is a rich and dense bit of writing, but worth staying with it, if only to reflect on the four principles which in my reading seem to underlie the meaning of being merciful.

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Reading:

Mercy: The Essence of the Gospel and the Key to Christian Life (Paulist Press, 2014) by Walter Kasper is available in both hardback and ebook formats.

Pope Francis' Revolution of Tenderness and Love: Theological & Pastoral Perspectives, (Paulist Press, 2015) Cardinal Kasper's latest work, has just been released.

Messages to: Jo O'Donovan rsm