The Meaning of Mercy

Mercy is not a theory, it is tangible. It is not just a nice word or a wish. It has a face, a history, a past, a present, a future and the unmistakable taste of eternity! Mercy walks the streets with kindness and takes care not to make too much noise. You see mercy sitting at the bar, on a bench in the town park, on the train, waiting for the mail, with bright eyes, a serene look, without cursing. When mercy speaks, she does not scream; when she is right, she does not boast; when she is strong, she does not bully those inferior to her; when she dreams, she does so for others as well.

I saw many support themselves with a stick, sit in a wheel chair, limp down the street, but they do so with dignity, they never complain, curse, insult, pass the line, or ask for favoritism. If you stop to talk to someone, do not be in a hurry; if you take time to be in the presence of another, do not watch the clock; if you’re listening, do not take out your smartphone; if someone asks for a favour, be available.

Mercy interweaves verses of love poems, weaves the songs that touch the heart and that are good for the soul. Someone one said that mercy cooks so that all are fed. Another shared that when mercy does the shopping, she always buys something extra for the neighbor in need.

You will see mercy ready to give away, to honk only when necessary, to smile at the window cleaner and give something to those who ask at traffic lights. Mercy bears the fruits of elegance and simplicity. She is noble and never haughty, she bends over to shake hands with those who are to poor. Mercy is always in love. You can see mercy when a bride kisses the groom, a mother who comforts her children, a wife hugging her husband, a girl who blushes on her first date. Sometimes it disappears, hides, disguises herself and yet is recognizable — if you’ve visited for awhile — in hospitals, school corridors, in courtrooms, in prison cells, in nursing homes, in reception centers for migrants, out at sea, at the border patrol, or even on the street. The other day I was near Mercy; I whispered the word “love” and she turned as if I had called her by name.

By Marco Pappalardo– Author of Have the Courage to be Happy.

To read more on the meaning of mercy, check out the following books:

This wonderful collection is sure to bring hope and comfort to all who read it. Give it as a heartfelt gift or use it as a yearlong companion to renew and reaffirm your own trust in God’s infinite mercy.

With questions for reflection and prayer, Psalms of Mercy is an excellent and affordable resource for all those seeking to celebrate and live the Year of Mercy.