Our Gospel today is from Matthew chapter 9. Look at the following quote. Jesus said “Go and learn the meaning to the words, ‘ I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'” . These words are from Hosea who was speaking to the children of Isreal . Jesus is saying that we all have to learn the meaning of these words.
My question is why does each person have to learn mercy. Clearly mercy is a part of loving one another but still Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, my grandparents, my parents , my children , grandchildren and great grandchildren all have a lesson to learn.
I went to confession last week and got the most wonderful lesson in mercy. My penance started with three Hail Mary’s…… Wait it gets better. My confessor also also asked me to pray for a woman who had just been recently diagnosed with breast cancer and as expected very upset.
Wow, this hit home. My wife, Anna, is a breast cancer survivor. She will have made 5 years cancer free within this month.
Jesus went on to say, “I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” Did, Jesus just follow up on my penance from last week. Was He speaking directly to me and telling me that yes I have more to learn about mercy in my life? …..yes.
I told my wife about my penance and we have both been praying for this unknown lady. Here is the rub. Mercy does not begin or end with people we know. My prayers during the petition part of each Mass is always for the person who needs my prayer the most. That person could be on the other side of the earth. I never realized before today that that this was also a lesson in mercy. We all have wants and needs and Jesus knows that . We have other times to talk to Him about our petitions Mercy is not limiting and is truly a part of love for everyone. It is loving as God does.
I am still learning, Lord. Thank you for the opportunity of leaning mercy in my life.
God Bless
Bob Burford
