Lenten Reflection for Day 12
Date: Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Author: Ed Olney
Bible Passage: Matthew 5:7 (NRSV)
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy."
Reflection:
While it is generally true, what you give, you get back, biblically this passage has even deeper meaning. In the Old Testament the meaning of mercy comes from Hebrew word for steadfast, dependable love. Very often it is used in connection with the covenant that God established with Israel, a gift and a grace for Israel. It is a love that gives, a love more powerful than betrayal, grace stronger than sin.
When we sing "Kyrie Eleison and Christe Eleison," we are praying that the merciful love of God will be poured out upon God's children. Jesus showed mercy to the world when he died on the cross and renounced his dignity to save us from our sins. We can also show mercy by the giving of ourselves to others when we give food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, clothes to those without any, shelter to the homeless, and even bringing the Good News of Christ to the lost. All these are acts of merciful love - love stooping down to lift people out of their physical and spiritual miseries.
Think of someone who needs to experience mercy. Pray for them in their need. Ask God what you might do to show them mercy.
Prayer:
Lord, may your infinite mercy to me enable me to be truly merciful to all others. Amen
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