The Quality of Mercy

 The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest:
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.

- Portia, "The Merchant of Venice"

 

 

What is mercy?  Merriam Webster's dictionary defines it as : "compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power."  This seems as good a definition as any.  But when we speak of God's mercy, what exactly do we mean? 

 

We sin.  We offend against God's love for us.  We turn away from Him - some days we turn further away than other days.  For some people there may come a point where they do not turn back.  But God is always waiting, always ready to take us back into the fold.  We are already forgiven, for it is a freely given gift, but we must cooperate with God.  He will not force us to repent, to turn back.  We must accept His forgiveness.

 

Repentance presupposes a conversion of heart, which is brought about through grace.  "Moved by grace, man turns toward God and away from sin, thus accepting forgiveness and righteousness from on high" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1989).  In His compassion (mercy), God freely offers His forgiveness to us.  He offers us reconciliation, freedom.  How many of us take Him up on that offer?  Or do we prefer to wallow in our sins, using them as an excuse to stay away from God? 

 

During this season of Lent, avail yourself of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession).  Repent. Turn back to God and accept His freely offered forgiveness.  There is no sin so great that it cannot be forgiven.  Meet Jesus in this most wonderful of sacraments.  Experience His loving mercy, as the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears did.  Allow him to touch you, to give you the gift he has already won for you.  But you must choose to turn back.  He is calling. 

"Even now, says the LORD,
return to me with your whole heart,
with fasting, and weeping, and mourning;
Rend your hearts, not your garments,
and return to the LORD, your God." —Joel 2:12-13