Commentary on the Gospel of
FOR THE LORD IS MERCIFUL AND SHOWS COMPASSION
Pope Francis’ papal motto, “miserando atque eligendo” is taken from the homily of Venerable Bede on the call of Matthew. The English monk wrote, “Jesus saw the tax collector, and by having mercy chose him as an Apostle, saying to him, ‘Follow me.’” Pope Francis translates “miserando” as “mercifying”.
For Pope Francis, mercy is not just one attribute of God but the very definition of God. If we are created in the image and likeness of God, then we will only become truly human by becoming merciful as God our source and origin is.
