Holy Family Parish

“Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Mt. 9:13).

Divine Mercy Is not Earned 

This Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday. Divine Mercy is God’s attribute of extending compassion to those in need. Divine Mercy could be described as the saving arm of Divine Love. God’s mercy is a gift that must be humbly accepted. It is not earned. In imitating God’s mercy, we must be sincere and selfless, heeding the call to “ Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Lk 6:36). Hence, Christ also directs us to, “Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Mt. 9:13). 
In helping us understand the meaning of Mercy, Jesus reminds us that Mercy is not just an idea to be cherished, but a way of life that must be lived. So he gives us real-life examples of how to be merciful:  “ …  I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me” (Mt 25:35-36). 

A major component of Mercy is Forgiveness. In the Gospel, Peter asks Jesus, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven times?” (Mt 18:21). Jesus answer reminds us of God’s infinite love for us which he showed on the cross. Therefore we are called to make the commitment that, “As often as I look upon the cross, so often will I forgive with all my heart” ( St. Faustina). 

Forgiveness could be very complicated and even messy, especially, when it comes to forgiving someone for slander. Hence, this takes a lot of spiritual strength to achieve over time keeping in mind that, “To the extent that you pray with all your soul for the person who slanders you, God will make the truth known to those who have been scandalized by the slander” (St. Maximos the Confessor). 

Vengeance is easier and more attractive than mercy. But Mercy has great rewards. St. Paul warns us, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil …  If possible, on your part, live at peace with all ….  do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath … “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head” (Rom 12:17-21). “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:37-38)
                                                                               ~Fr. Augustine 

https://www.austindiocese.org/eucharistic-congress