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Divine Mercy
I once heard that a parent can only be as happy as one’s least happy child. It’s good and natural that we focus on those most in need. Though as a society we have long been so fortunate in many ways compared to civilizations of history, still we worry about the poor, the sick, the lonely, and the abused.
Today, the first Sunday after Easter is Divine Mercy Sunday for Roman Catholics; so declared by Pope John Paul II. As suggested by visions of Jesus to Sister Faustina of Poland, on this day we pay special attention to the Lord’s immeasurable mercy. From the image of blood and water poured from Christ’s heart, symbolizing the terrible Passion and the beautiful Resurrection, we remember the gifts we have received without merit.
Every day, Christians pray to be forgiven “as we forgive those who tresspass against us.” His two greatest commandments link love of God and love of neighbor, so that true love of one is the expression of the other. Likewise, acceptance of mercy and sharing of mercy go hand-in-hand.
Mercy is always an offer waiting to be fulfilled by acceptance. Thus, the unrepentant are held to account by their own choice. But mercy is offered for all. To love our enemies includes this offer of mercy to our enemies. Are you ready to forgive everyone?
On Ricochet, there is always much justifiable anger. We speak of people who despise and mock us, who despise our families and our most sacred traditions, who lie to us, who steal from us, who seek to rule over us, who turn to corrupt delights and despoil so much that was beautiful, and so on. Evils abound, as they always have.
Christ came for sinners. That means all of us. But, like that parent of a wayward child or like the person who finds a grumbling addict in a place of beauty and bounty, Christ especially concerns Himself with those in most need of mercy and care.
It’s the persons who tax us most, the ones who do us wrong and shatter our calm, blocking every affection, who most need our offers of forgiveness and reconciliation. No villain has hurt you so much as he or she has hurt God — the one who makes all things for beauty and knows the fullest tragedy of every rejection.
Who do you need to forgive today? Begin with the ones who make you the angriest. Begin with the worst; the most hardened and most detestable. How wonderful it will be when any one of them unexpectedly accepts the graces you have requested on their behalf. The pains you endure today for love will be forgotten in the overwhelming light of God’s divine mercy.
Published in Religion & Philosophy
Wonderful post, Aaron. Thank you!
I agree that this is a beautiful post.
My concern is how one can determine where the dividing line is between someone who is merely lost and someone who is relentlessly cruel (egregiously so); and what does one do when confronted by the latter?
In my (Jewish) tradition, we are taught that those who are kind to the cruel can all too easily end up being cruel to the kind.
Mercy is an offer addressing moral debt. In civil justice and informal human pursuit of justice, that mercy needn’t coincide with abrogation of punishment and assurances of civil protection.
A murderer can be both forgiven and imprisoned, thereby serving the necessary penalty and yet maintaining social bonds that still recognize him as loved and capable of amends which, though they cannot erase the consequences of his crime, might reintegrate him into the community.
We Christians say that God is always with us, even while we sin. He is the pursuer. We can only respond. He ceaselessly calls to us and knocks upon our hearts. We often ignore Him. When are ready to answer, He is immediately there with open arms.
That is how we should offer mercy. It will often be refused. We are called to justice as well and must respond to evils in ways to establish justice on earth. But we should hope and strive for total reconciliation, not only containment of evil men. Ultimately, it is for God to soften their hearts. But as willing instruments of His love we must embody that invitation.
Most thoroughly cruel and wicked people will remain hateful. But to play a part in the Lord’s reunion with even one immortal soul is an opportunity only rivaled by the birth and rearing of a child.
#3 Aaron Miller
Well said — and thanks!
I’m late to this. I’ve been away. I forgive all. I hold no grudges. Thank you Aaron. And that is the proper painting of the Divine Mercy, not that awful one that is more common.