The receiving and giving love and mercy

[Mark Dohle]

The receiving and giving love and mercy ​

We love always to our fullest capacity. Though at first it may be hesitant and fearful, for to open up to love takes courage. We also love out of need and of course instinct. However as we mature and our ability to have an open heart develops, we can slowly learn to love others for themselves alone; as rare as that may be.

The same can be said for the receiving and giving of mercy. It can be difficult to receive mercy from others, even if like love it is something that can be experienced as a deep longing. For in mercy, when we do actually experience it, it is a healing event if it can be embraced and accepted. For mercy and love co-exist, if one is missing then love is absent. Mercy without love is condescension, love without mercy is controlling and in the end self serving.

This week (Sunday after Easter this was written last year) in the Catholic liturgy we celebrate ‘Mercy Sunday’. A feast that focuses on the depth of God’s love for us, and the healing aspect of his mercy that is open to everyone who seeks it in their lives. Love is a form of ‘seeing’, mercy is its fruit. Infinite love and mercy sees us all to our very depths, and in that seeing seeks only to heal and lift us up. Mercy is the way in which God shows love.

Sister Faustina’s diary shows us to what depths God’s mercy is manifested towards all of mankind. Below is a quote from two different parts of her dairy and one from the Prophet Isaiah.

“Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet…The greatest sinners would achieve great sanctity, if only they would trust in My mercy. The very inner depths of My being are filled to overflowing with mercy, and it is being poured out upon all I have created. (Diary, 699, 1784)

“Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow; though they be crimson red, they may become white as wool”. (Isaiah 1:18)

As we draw closer to the Infinite and our love and trust grow, so does our ability to receive this love and mercy, for in order to grow, trust must also be cultivated. When we seek God, we are responding to grace. Also in this devotion we are called upon to pray for all of mankind, for mercy upon all, it is part of the vocation of being a Christian, to develop deep love and trust in Christ Jesus and to pray for the highest good for others…..which I believe is the receiving of mercy.—Br.MD