Catholic Bishops' Advent Reflections on Mercy and Forgiveness

Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP, the Archbishop of Liverpool, looks at how the Pope has challenged us to look at the way we live and work through the prism of mercy.

Time for a spiritual spring clean? Here's Bishop John Arnold's Advent reflection on Confession.

We have a great reflection today from Bishop Hlib Lonchyna, Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family in London. He asks the question: Why on Earth should God forgive us our sins?

Bishop Declan Lang is the Bishop of Clifton and Chair of the International Affairs department. In his Advent reflection, he addresses a crucial Advent question and encourages us to pledge ourselves to work for justice and peace in our everyday lives.

Bishop William Kenney, an auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Birmingham, focuses his Advent reflection on how mercy is a strength to be admired.

Monsignor Michael McPartland, the Apostolic Prefect of the Falkland Islands, looks at how our Christmas preparations enhance the season of goodwill but we should focus on the Gospels to celebrate the greatest gift of all - the coming of God with his infinite love and mercy.

Archbishop Kevin McDonald, retired Archbishop of Southwark and Director of the Bishops' Office for Interreligious Relations, gives an excellent Advent reflection on the Catholic Church as a place of mercy, healing and deep hope.

In today's Advent reflection, Bishop Peter Doyle, Bishop of Northampton and chair of Bishops' Conference Committee for Marriage and Family Life recalls his work at the Family Synod in Rome in October.

Bishop Alan Williams, Bishop of Brentwood, focuses his Advent reflection on how we can all identify with at least one of the key characters in his favourite parable - the Prodigal Son.

Bishop Philip Egan, Bishop of Portsmouth, looks at a remarkable day centre for the homeless in Aldershot to introduce his Advent reflection. The Vine Centre, staffed mainly by volunteers, helps some of the neediest in our society. It was founded by a parishioner from St Joseph's in the town.

Bishop Nicholas Hudson, an auxiliary Bishop in the Diocese of Westminster, gives us an Advent reflection in which he focuses on people with learning disabilities and, in particular, the work of the L'Arche communities.

Bishop Robert Byrne, an auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Birmingham, talks about his many years as a prison chaplain for today's Advent reflection.

Ministering in Birmingham with its confluence of religions, Archbishop Longley takes particular interest in the experiences of mercy in other faith communities and religious groups.

Bishop Vincent Malone, retired assistant bishop of the Archdiocese of Liverpool, gives an excellent thought-provoking Advent reflection on how we sometimes overcomplicate things when we try to get close to God.

Bishop Peter Brignall, Bishop of Wrexham, looks at our inestimable worth to God and uses an interesting analogy to show that in the eyes of the Lord we are all equal.

Bishop Richard Moth, the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, looks at Holy Doors and the significance of passing through one this year to make a pilgrimage of mercy and hope.

Bishop Michael Campbell, the Augustinian Bishop of Lancaster, gives us an excellent Advent reflection looking at nativity plays and what they say about mercy in a simple way.

Bishop Mark O'Toole, the Bishop of Plymouth, gives us an Advent reflection on the day Pope Francis opened the Holy Door in St Peter's to inaugurate the Jubilee of Mercy.

Holy Doors will be open in every diocese in England and Wales for the 'Year of Mercy' but in today's Advent reflection, Bishop Mark Davies, Bishop of Shrewsbury, reminds us that we all have access to a door of mercy.

Bishop Seamus Cunningham, the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, brings us today's Advent reflection and reminds us that actions speak louder than words. He gives the example of a visit to Ethiopia made by Cardinal Basil Hume in 1985 at the height of the terrible famine.

Bishop Alan Hopes, Bishop of East Anglia, gives today's ‪‎Advent‬ reflection. For the Jubilee of Mercy he'll be visiting all 11 prisons in his diocese. Listen to his reflection on redemption, mercy and Holy Doors.

Bishop Tom Williams reveals some moments that have touched his soul - his inner being - leaving him with a real and active faith. He uses two compelling illustrations in this ‪Advent‬ reflection.

Bishop John Sherrington, a Westminster auxilliary Bishop, tells us the charming story of a Chinese woman he met some years ago who grew up in a rural part of China.

Bishop Patrick Lynch's wide-ranging reflection covers the Parable of the Prodigal Son and being open to the healing power of God's mercy.

Archbishop George Stack, the Archbishop of Cardiff, looks to the Gospel of Matthew for today's Advent Reflection on mercy and forgiveness.

In this reflection, Bishop Paul Hendricks looks at the differences between ideologies and religion and how the line is sometimes deliberately blurred.

Today, the Cardinal talks about his own personal need for God's mercy: "Every day I begin by asking for God's mercy for the day ahead and end it by saying 'Well Lord, there you are. I didn't do that too well. Maybe we can do better tomorrow'.