Fasting has been in the news lately. Partly, of course, it's that time of year again: it's almost Lent, a season traditionally contoured for Christians by at any rate token emulation of Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness abstaining from bodily sustenance. But there have also been the recent revelations from Downing Street. Reports that Rishi Sunak eats little or nothing from Sunday evening to Tuesday morning have inspired pop-scientific media articles commending or condemning this dietary regime on the basis of contested medical evidence, and speculation as to the wisdom of prime ministerial decision-making on an empty stomach.

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." [Mt 5:10]. This talk concludes the series of the Beatitudes which were given by several sisters last year. The approaches taken were very different and not all participants have attended every talk. However, many of you will remember particular aspects. Ideally, I should now present a fine summary of all the talks but I am afraid this will not be the case. Instead, I will let Pope Benedict XVI do this for us. Pope Benedict suggests seeing the Beatitudes within the framework of Jesus' teaching which from the beginning of his ministry has one main message: 'Repent, for the kingdom of God is close at hand' Mt 4:17.

Introduction: Tonight we come to a turning-point in our journey through the Beatitudes. Thus far, we have spent the last Jive months pondering the ingredients of a happy life. We have heard of the things that we either do or do not have — like riches, pride or comfort — or the things we do or do not do — like justice and mercy.

Every year, and seemingly earlier every year, Christians are faced with a dilemma. What are we to do when we know it's Advent, but the world around us is determined that it's already Christmas? To partake the mulled wine and mince pies proffered by friends and colleagues or not? To join in with the carols in the shopping mall or pass by in pursed lip silence?

I cannot begin a talk on the theme of mercy without quoting Portia's speech on the subject from the Merchant of Venice: 'The quality of mercy is not strained; It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes: 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes The throned monarch better than his crown: His sceptre shows the force of temporal power, The attribute to awe and majesty, Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings; But mercy is above this sceptred sway; It is enthronéd in the hearts of kings, It is an attribute to God himself; And earthly power doth then show likest God's When mercy seasons justice. ' (Merchant of Venice, Act IV, Scene I)