Note from the Editor

Dear Reader,

When I think about "mercy", I often return to the Gospel story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8). It reminds me of how I often get the order of Love wrong, how I often use mercy as a reward - something to be given only after one has turned their life around.

But it seems that this order is not God's way. Is mercy the result of repentance, or does it come before repentance? What if it’s the experience of being loved that opens the door of our heart to true conversion?

In John 8, Jesus shows us this divine sequence. The adulterous woman is dragged before Him—exposed, shamed, and used as a tool in a trap set by the religious elite. But Jesus does something radically beautiful. Before He says a word, He draws near—stooping down in silence to write in the dust. Before He teaches, He protects her—“Let the one among you who is without sin cast the first stone.” Before she has done anything to deserve it, He offers her His hand of mercy—“Has no one condemned you? Neither do I condemn you.” Only after all this, does He speak the final simple line: “Go, and sin no more.” He gives her freedom and instructs her at the same time, with no guarantees that she will follow it.

This is the divine order of love and something really hard for us humans to square with. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). God didn’t wait for us to be good. He loved us first—so that we could become good.

May this issue of Reflexions challenge us to examine and live out this way of Christ in our hearts!

In faith and fellowship,

Dr. Esther Tan
Editor, Catholic Reflexions Magazine

Interview with A Catholic: Bernadette Mutirende

Each month, we have an intimate chat with a practicing Catholic. We discuss why they believe what they believe, the difference Christ has made in their lives, and any lessons learned from their faith journey. For this month, we feature BERNADETTE MUTIRENDE, a dedicated professional currently serving in the Office of Legal Affairs. She has been with the United Nations since 2008 and plays a pivotal role in organizing and coordinating the meetings of the Legal Committee of the General Assembly to ensure smooth operations. She began her career at the United Nations Office at Geneva in 2008.

What does mercy mean to you, and in what ways do you actively practice mercy in your daily interactions with others?

Mercy, to me, feels like God's undeserved grace—a divine gift freely bestowed upon the unworthy.  That deep unconditional love that changes everything. April 7, 1994, marked a profound turning point in my life, a date that’s impossible to forget. It marks the day when everything I knew about life was turned upside down by the genocide in my homeland. One night, everything changed. Friends became enemies. Neighbors, once close, betrayed one another. Even family bonds that I thought were unbreakable shattered. Surviving such horror is something I can only explain through God’s mercy. There’s no reason, no logic that can explain how I made it through—only His grace.

That experience fundamentally transformed my worldview and approach to human connections. It taught me what real empathy looks like, what it means to truly understand someone’s pain, even when they don’t say a word. I’ve learned that we’re all here to help each other, to support and uplift one another as we grow, both spiritually and emotionally. As Scripture says, "About that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36). That truth really hits home. Life is short, and we never know when the world might change in an instant. So, I try to show mercy in everything I do—whether it’s by listening without judgment, forgiving even when it’s hard, or offering kindness to someone who might be silently suffering. We all have our battles, and we never know what someone is going through. So, I try to be there for others, offering compassion the way God has shown it to me.

Can you share a bit about your upbringing and how your Catholic faith has played a role in your life?

You know, I grew up in a Catholic home—baptized when I was just a tiny three-week-old baby! Our house was so close to the church, just a short 10-minute walk away, which made everything easier. Like most kids in my area, I went to Catholic schools all through my primary and secondary years.

I wouldn't say we were the most devout family, though. We didn't do all the Catholic practices regularly at home, but the Lord's Prayer was special to us—we'd say it together, especially before meals. That connection to gratitude stays with me even now.

My parents and grandparents never missed Sunday Mass and the major feast days were absolutely non-negotiable! Those celebrations brought our whole community together, and that's what I treasure the most. Religion wasn't just about faith—it was about connection.

I still smile thinking about my First Communion and Confirmation. The whole village celebrated with us kids! After church, we'd all move from house to house, the same group of people attending each family's celebration until everyone had their turn. Can you imagine that kind of community today? The love between people was so real, so tangible. Life felt simpler then.

When I got to college and was on my own, my faith deepened. We created our own Catholic prayer group, and that's where I really learned to pray the chaplet and novenas for special causes.

Even though my family wasn't super pious growing up, they gave me something precious—solid foundations I could always return to when life got tough. And believe me, those foundations have held me more times than I can count.

What are some significant moments or experiences that have deepened your faith journey?

You know how life sometimes throws moments at you that completely transform your relationship with God? For me, the genocide was one of those turning points. I found myself desperately bargaining with God, making all these promises (that honestly, I didn't fully keep), and praying the rosary over and over throughout the day. That rosary around my neck wasn't jewelry, it was my lifeline. I clung to Romans 8:37-39 like it was oxygen, constantly repeating to myself: "Nothing can separate me from the love of God." Looking back, I realize that my faith deepened during those darkest moments, partly because of fear. I focused so intensely on God because it was the only way to keep the terror at bay.

But the moment that truly transformed me came during my Psychology Master's at Divine Mercy University. The program was rooted in a Catholic understanding of the human person, and it completely changed the way I see people. I learned that when I'm helping someone, I'm not just helping "a homeless person" or someone with a label—I'm serving a child of God, created in His image and likeness, just like me, with different circumstances. During those studies, I got to dive deep into theology and philosophy, and suddenly everything clicked into place. It was like having a veil lifted from my eyes! My ears could hear better, my mind could understand more clearly. And you know the most surprising thing? Those long two-hour Masses that once seemed endless, I now find myself enjoying every minute, hungry for more.

It is amazing how God uses both our darkest moments and our educational journeys to draw us closer to Him.

Are there any particular saints, prayers, or devotions that inspire you or that you feel a strong connection to?

I've got quite a few saint friends I turn to! I just love learning about their life stories. Saint Bernadette holds a special place in my heart, of course. And Saint Francis—his prayer about being an instrument of peace just touches something deep inside me.

The story of Saint Monica really moves me too—can you imagine praying so faithfully that both your husband and son find their way to faith? Her persistence in prayer for Augustine reminds me that love never gives up.

But if I'm being honest, Saint Anthony of Padua is my go-to friend in heaven. It might sound silly, but whenever I ask for his prayers, they seem to get answered - Even for a parking lot😊.

As Saint Anthony himself said, "Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak." His wisdom reminds me that faith isn't just about what we say, but how we live each day.

Pope Francis and True Mercy

Each month, we invite an original article or feature an existing article by a respected Catholic author.

By Bishop Robert Barron

The media praises Pope Francis for his compassionate and inclusive approach, often portraying him as a revolutionary figure. However, while he emphasizes mercy, it is not at the expense of Church teaching. Mercy, as Pope Francis presents it, is love responding to sin, not a denial of sin’s reality. His personal encounter with Christ’s mercy in confession shaped his deep awareness of sin and the need for conversion.

His outreach to the marginalized includes both the materially poor and the spiritually distant, calling all to transformation. Misinterpretations, such as his “Who am I to judge?” remark, ignore that he was referring to a priest striving to live according to Church teaching. His mercy does not mean “anything goes” but rather an invitation to repentance and renewal.

Ultimately, Pope Francis aligns with Church tradition, emphasizing that mercy and justice go hand in hand, as St. Augustine taught. His message is not about changing doctrine but about bringing sinners back to God through love and transformation.

Original article is available here.

Speaker Notes: Call to Community: A Talk by Andy Perez

Each month, we summarize a talk previously presented to our members.

On 24 September 2020, Andy Perez, a private equity investor and Opus Dei supernumerary, gave a talk titled Call to Community for the UN Catholic Club. He explored the Catholic Social Teaching pillar of Call to Family, Community, and Participation, emphasizing the family’s role as the cornerstone of society. Perez quoted St. John Paul II’s description of the family as the “first and fundamental school of social living” and warned about cultural attacks that aim to destabilize the family unit.

Perez encouraged participants to prioritize their families as a starting point for building broader communities, stressing the importance of fostering deep friendships and creating genuine connections. He referenced Aristotle’s observation that man is a “social animal,” created to live in relationship with others, and tied it to the biblical narrative of Adam’s need for companionship. A true community, he emphasized, grows outward from family to friends and broader society.

The talk also focused on reaching out to those on the margins, following Pope Francis’ call to “go to the peripheries.” Perez stressed that Catholics are called to support the poor and vulnerable, citing Matthew’s Gospel: “Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me.” He reminded listeners that building community starts with small acts of love and service and grows through practical, everyday engagement.

In conclusion, Perez challenged the audience to live as beacons of light in their communities, addressing not only material poverty but the deeper poverty of faith and moral values in society. He encouraged Catholics to transform their surroundings by living the joy of the Gospel and actively participating in the lives of others.

The full talk is available here.

Workplace Tips: Practice Assertive Communication

Each month, we offer advice and tips for being effective in our workplaces. Drawing from global best practices and personal experiences, we share insights for your use.

by Coursera Staff

Assertive Communication is the ability to express feelings in a clear and respectful manner, balancing confidence and courtesy without being aggressive or passive. Assertive communicators stand up for themselves while respecting others.

Comparison of Styles:

• Aggressive: Prioritizes self, disregards others.

• Passive: Avoids expressing needs, leading to frustration.

• Assertive: Communicates openly while valuing others' perspectives.

How to Practice:

• Use "I" Statements: "I feel frustrated when dishes pile up. Can we work on it together?"

• Stick to Facts: "I wish I had received the report earlier. Let’s set a new schedule."

• Use Positive Body Language: Eye contact, open posture, and confidence matter—55% of communication is non-verbal.

Original article is available here.

Spiritual Life Tips: How do I speak with fallen-away Catholics?

Each month, we offer practical advice and tips related to our Catholic faith and spirituality.

by Randy Hain

Evangelization is not just for the faithful but also for those who have fallen away or feel anger toward the Church. A business executive, distant from her faith, expressed frustration over Church teachings and scandals during a lunch meeting. Instead of avoiding the topic, I engaged with patience, sharing my own journey from spiritual emptiness to Catholicism. I emphasized that while the Church is made up of sinners, like St. Peter, it remains chosen by Christ, offering both human failures and profound holiness. I highlighted the Church’s unwavering commitment to truth despite societal pressures and encouraged her to focus on Christ, the Saints, and prayer for understanding and forgiveness. Though she didn’t immediately change her stance, she appreciated the discussion and agreed to pray about it. This encounter reinforced the importance of listening without judgment, sharing a joyful witness, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in hearts. Many around us struggle with faith, and a loving conversation could be the first step in their journey back to the Church. As Jesus taught, there is great joy in heaven over even one lost sheep who returns.

3 Tips to Engage with Those Hurt by the Church

1. Don’t preach or judge – Listen with patience.

2. Offer a joyful witness – Share your personal faith journey.

3. Pray for them – Let the Holy Spirit work in their hearts.

Luke 15:4-7 – “Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.”

Original article is available here.

For inquiries, or potential contributions to the magazine, please contact unitednationscatholicclub@outlook.com