The Risk of Liturgical Mercy

Abstract

Liturgical mercy is the practice of refusing to exclude from eucharistic sharing those considered to be sinners. This essay argues that liturgical mercy is a practice that is (1) needed for the ongoing conversion of Christian communities while (2) simultaneously posing a risk that threatens the communion of Christian communities. By overcoming the biases that cause communities to exclude sinners, the practice of liturgical mercy facilitates the bodily encounters that are necessary for the self-transcendence of conversion. However, these encounters also threaten the identity of the community. As such, there is an unavoidable risk inherent in liturgical mercy. In the end, sustained by the theological virtue of hope, Christian communities must engage in the risk of liturgical mercy.