Dives in Misericordia (Rich in Mercy)

Dives in Misericordia is the second encyclical by the Blessed Pope John Paul II in the third year of his papacy and was issued on 30 November, 1980. The letter is a beautiful exploration of a God who throughout history has shown himself 'rich in mercy'. Pope John Paul tells the story of God's mercy beginning with the Old Testament and God's love shown in the history of the chosen people of God, through to the ultimate act of mercy in sending His son Jesus, the Redeemer of man. 

The encyclical is divided into eight sections:

I. He who sees me sees the Father (cf. John 14:9)

• The Revelation of Mercy 
• The Incarnation of Mercy

II. The Messianic Message

• When Christ Began To Do and To Teach

III. The Old Testament

• The Concept of "Mercy" in the Old Testament

IV. The parable of the Prodigal Son

• An Analogy
• Particular Concentration on Human Dignity

V. The Paschal Mystery

• Mercy Revealed in the Cross and Resurrection 
• Love More Powerful Than Death, More Powerful Than Sin
• Mother of Mercy

VI. "Mercy...from Generation to Generation"

• An Image of Our Generation
• Sources of Uneasiness
• Is Justice Enough? 

VII. The Mercy of God in the Mission of the Church

• The Church Professes the Mercy of God and Proclaims It
• The Church Seeks To Put Mercy into Practice

VIII. The Prayer of the Church in our times

• The Church Appeals to the Mercy of God

Complete document of the DIVES IN MISERICORDIA from the official Holy See site (www.vatican.va)