"... the cardinal-designate said the first step in sharing the pope's consistent message of mercy is to reflect on how we have been recipients of mercy in our own lives."

That to me is key, and it is one aspect of the Year of Mercy that I think has not been emphasized enough. Extending authentic mercy to others must begin with recognizing our own brokenness. Otherwise our "mercy" can too easily become self-righteous and condescending.

That's why, I believe, some of the best and most pastoral priests I've known have been recovering alcoholics. Their ability to stay grounded in their own ongoing need for healing gives them the grace to be agents of healing in the lives of others.