The theme of this Book is ‘Mercy’ with a focus on
‘Reflections on corporal and spiritual works of mercy’. The title of the Book: ‘Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy’ evokes curiosities about Jubilee celebrations of ‘Mercy’. What is a Jubilee Year of Mercy? What is the purpose of a Jubilee Year of Mercy? Why is the 'Jubilee Year of Mercy Extraordinary?’ How is the Jubilee of Mercy celebrated? What is the significance of Holy Doors of Mercy? Why is the end of the Jubilee of Mercy associated with the closure of the Holy Doors of Mercy? Does the closure of the Holy Door mean closure of access to Mercy? Is continued access to Mercy sustainable? How can the commitment to the Papal call to Mercy be sustained, beyond the Jubilee Year of Mercy?
The purpose of this Book is to reflect on the equitable access to basic human needs, including: food, clothing, housing, health care, right to freedom of religious worship by prisoners, and the protection of the human dignity of the dead. The Book draws attention to the teachings of Our Lord Jesus, the Christ of God, that appropriate and prompt response to the care of the needy: the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the sick, the imprisoned and the dead is actually a direct service to Himself (Mt 25: 33 – 46).
Furthermore, Reflections on the corporal and spiritual works of Mercy provide adaptable practical suggestions on works of mercy, in various economic and socio-cultural settings. The Key facts of the Extraordinary Year of Mercy, respond to the teething questions evoked by the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. The Book presents enriching scriptural knowledge of the divine call of humanity to Mercy. Evidence abounds that devotion to Divine Mercy inspires love and forgiveness with the potential to sustain commitment to a merciful lifestyle: giving mercy, receiving mercy and living mercy.