Meditation Monday – July 26, 2021

Scott Stapel
Spiritual Director

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Mathew 5:7

“He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”  Micah 6:8

Mercy (Noun) Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm. (Definition from Oxford Languages)
“A love that responds to human need in an unexpected or unmerited way.”  (theconversation.com)

Mercy has been on my mind lately. In the last several weeks that word slipped into my conscious mind from reading various sacred books or articles. I cannot even pinpoint specifically where it first appeared but at some point, I found myself thinking more and more about the word mercy.

It seems in today’s world, we are given the opportunity to be merciful to many people and in many circumstances. We have also been shown a lot of mercy. The more I reflect on those that have shown me mercy and compassion, the easier it is to give that same gift back.

Sadly, there are many times that the world seems to lack mercy. This lack can come through in many ways, including anger, racism (both sides!), feeling slighted, and a general lack of being able to relate compassionately with others and their circumstances, just to name a few.

Where have you noticed a lack of mercy from others?

Can you think of times when you could have been more merciful?

How have you received mercy?

How could you be more merciful with others?

How can you be more merciful with yourself?

God first demonstrated to the world mercy so that we can freely be merciful with ourselves and each other.  God demonstrates that ongoing mercy with us on a daily basis. I think of that often when I hear others say …I hope they get what they deserve!  

What if we all got what we deserve? Through this recognition of the blessings bestowed upon us, we cannot help but be humbled at the love and mercy we receive in abundance.  So much in fact, that we have enough left over to share with others. What a gift!

I invite you to spend some time this week contemplating, praying and/or journaling your thoughts concerning mercy.