A Reflection on Mercy – Fathers of Saint Joseph Meeting Notes
- Marcelo Bastos
- Nov 20
- 2 min read
Date: Saturday, 8th November 2025
Location: St. Mary’s Pope’s Quay, Cork, T23 P8ER
Context
We began our meeting with a time of adoration, grounding ourselves in silence and prayer before entering into our reflection.
Reflection Reading
Book: LEAD: The Four Marks of Fatherly Greatness by Devin Schadt
Pillar IV: Discover the Disciple – Embrace the Child
Reading 172: Magnetic Mercy, Part 2
The reading focused on the power of mercy to win hearts. It told the story of a father who struggled with his rebellious son. After years of frustration, the father surrendered the situation to God, trusting in His providence. Though nothing seemed to change at first, the son eventually returned, wanting to take responsibility for his new family. When questioned about his sudden change, the son said he had been moved by his father’s mercy — it was magnetic.
The author invites us to see that throughout the last 2,000 years, countless souls have been drawn to God through the same magnetic mercy revealed in Jesus Christ.
A reflection question accompanied the text:
“Do I express to my child his or her potential for greatness — that he or she is called to be a manifestation of God’s glory?”
Shared Thoughts from the Group
Our children are always watching — not just what we say, but how we live.
There is a higher story being written in each of our lives. God is the author, and though we may not understand His ways, our prayers allow us to participate in His will in quiet and mysterious ways.
The prophet Hosea came to mind — a man called to love and forgive an unfaithful wife as a living sign of God’s mercy toward humanity.
Personal Reflections & Final Thought
At times, the weight of our own shortcomings can feel heavy. I often feel that way myself — unworthy and discouraged. But when I think as a father, I realise I would never want my children to carry that same burden. I would forgive them completely and forget their faults.
This reading reminds me that our Heavenly Father is even more merciful. His forgiveness restores hope. It renews my trust in the power of confession and strengthens my confidence that we are loved and accepted — not because we are perfect, but because we have a merciful Father.
Comments