Year of Mercy Reflection

Friday, Sep. 02, 2016

There is a line in the Karate Kid: “Mercy is for the weak.” Maybe at our weakest we are better able to experience God’s mercy. 

More to the point, in planning my father’s funeral, my family’s shared and sorrowful grief was interrupted by brief moments of mercy.

In our weak moments, God showers us with his mercy.

He sent his mercy through the love of those who came to share our grief as well as memories. 

Those who have grieved bear witness to God’s unending mercy in the gentleness of a moment.

Corporal Acts of Mercy, the work of the Body of Christ – they were present for us. Granted, their words and prayers were comforting, but it was their actions that were transforming.

As I sat holding my dying father’s hand and through tears told him his time of suffering was over and he could go home, God’s mercy came through the door.  

I saw mercy as the nurses came in to care for his physical needs, then stopped to kiss his forehead, squeeze his hand and tell him what each of them would miss about him.

I felt mercy when I was given a rosary that I clung to during the funeral.

I heard mercy in the words of the song: “Come back to me with all your heart, don’t let fear keep us apart.”

I spoke of God’s mercy and was blessed by those who listened. Memory is a great teacher of God’s mercy throughout a lifetime.

Our lives are diminished by the passing of our loved ones and at the same time our lives are increased by the mercy shown by those who shared acts of mercy.

In moments of weakness mercy strengthens us.

In the weariness of our sorrow, there was the promise of new life. 

Sue Bedard

St Rose of Lima Parish