I desire mercy

I desire mercy.

Imagine you’ve come to your doctor’s office for the results of your routine physical.   As you sit waiting for your appointment, you notice that many of the people around you are suffering from a variety of ailments.   “Wow, I’m glad I’m not like any of them,” you think.   “I’d better steer clear of all these sick people.”

When you see the doctor, he tells you that everything looks good—you’re healthy.   “Now,” he says, “you can help me take care of everyone in the waiting room.”

This scenario gives us some sense of what Jesus told the Pharisees who opposed him in Scripture.   He didn’t want them to avoid people who were spiritually unwell.   He wanted them to do the exact opposite: to seek them out and help them.   He wanted them to show mercy to the suffering and offer them the blessings of their faith.

This is exactly the same thing Jesus wants to tell us:   Spread my message of mercy.   But how do we do that?   Here are three steps any of us can take:

First, examine your attitude.

Look out for ways you stand in judgment over those who are caught up in destructive or sinful behavior.   Remember that you are a sinner as well, a sinner who has been saved by God’s mercy.   People can sense when someone is harboring harsh and judgmental feelings toward them, and they’ll avoid them at all costs.

Second, look outward.

Be careful not to associate only with those who are already close to you or who share your values.   You won’t know how to relate to other people when God puts them in your path.   For example, strike up a conversation with the stranger behind you while you’re in the checkout line at the market.   Or get to know that neighbor who has been away from the Church for years.   Let unexpected friendships develop, and you’ll end up sharing your faith without even trying too hard.

Finally, keep receiving mercy.

Don’t stop praying.   Stay close to the Lord in prayer.   Let his heart of mercy continue to soften your own heart.   Let his openness to everyone, rich and poor, healthy and ailing, successful and struggling, move you to the same kind of openness.   Then be on the alert for opportunities to share his mercy.   With everyone.

word among us