Acts of Mercy

Lent is about mercy, among many other things.  Mercy transforms.   Acts of mercy – acts of love – can change those who are desperate, fearful, and lost.  Love will buy their soul and give it to God through our individual acts of mercy – loving behavior captured by “I forgive you,” or “I’m here to help you out of your despair.” Now that’s an example of our showing mercy to others. 

Consider this story.  There was a wise and loving grandmother who lived by herself and was getting up in years.  One Christmas she decided that instead of buying presents for each of her grandkids, she would write them a check, send a card, and include the words, “Buy your own present.” 

As she drove away from the Post Office, she felt good about getting those cards in the mail until she got home and found the pile of checks she had forgotten to include.  Each grandkid opened a card that said, “Buy your own present,” but there were no checks.

When she found out what she had done, she gave the best response one could ever give.  She laughed and laughed and laughed at herself.  It might have been a little embarrassing to call each of them and explain what had happened, but she had come to know that mistakes are a part of everyone’s life. 

Being merciful to oneself is also important.  Everyone loved her.  How could they not?  She had learned the wonderful skill of laughing at herself.

So, let’s be merciful to others and especially to ourselves.

Deacon David Pierce