Nga mihi atawhai – greetings to all in Mercy! Due for general release later this month is an intriguing film, Risen, which focuses on the time between Jesus’ crucifixion and the emergence of communities that believed he was still with them. Joseph Fiennes has the lead role of Clavius, a Roman tribune tasked with tracking down the body of Jesus after rumours spread that he had come back to life.

Across the array of modern biblical epics this story is unique, in that it is told through the eyes of a non-believer. His own scepticism about Christ is challenged as he encounters the apostles and other historical characters. On our own journey towards Easter in this Year of Mercy, it is worth asking if there are links between Risen and our involvement in one Mercy ministry or another. If Clavius came looking for signs of mercy in what we do, would there be enough evidence to convict us?

It seems important to recall that each of our ministries was established by Sisters of Mercy, founded as an expression of their faith in a Lord who died and rose, and who asked that he be served in the needs of others. “In so far as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.”

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