“The Lord is kind and merciful.”  The Responsorial Psalm this week is a reminder to us of the mercy which God shows toward us – but it is also the mercy we are called to show towards others.  What is mercy at its core?  Unconditional love!  Compassionate love!  The depth of that mercy from our Lord was on full display on Calvary.  We did not earn it, and His mercy does not pass judgement on us.  Rather, it offers redemption to those who seek it. Jesus took the judgment of our sins unto himself, as God fulfills his fidelity to the saving promises and merciful initiative by which he bound himself to his people in an eternal covenant.  In the story of the fig tree, we see that mercy is to be cultivated and formed, giving all the chance to grab hold of it.

As Vincentians, we are called to a life that allows us to be life giving to others – and as a consequence life giving to ourselves.  We are called to be transformed and to follow Christ through service to those in need, and so bear witness to His compassionate and liberating love.    When we touch another in mercy and compassion, we touch the face of God – and become the light of Christ!  Do I minister to those in need with complete compassion and mercy?  Do I set my judgements aside that they may see Christ through me?

Lord Jesus, through our work with those in need, let us offer to them our compassionate mercy as given to us by our Lord.  Allow them to see Christ in us and us to see Christ in them.  Jesus, you are mercy and compassion for us all.  Let us fix on gaze on you that we may never be distracted.  I pray all of this in your name!  Amen

Deacon Mike