The Mercy to Which We Are Called

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2019 5:30 pm Post subject: The Mercy to Which We Are Called

The Mercy to Which We Are Called

Scripture:

And Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having with him three thousand chosen men of Israel, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph.

So David and Abisai came to the people by night, and found Saul lying and sleeping in the tent, and his spear fixed in the ground at his head: and Abner and the people sleeping round about him. And Abisai said to David: God has shut up your enemy this day into your hands: now then I will run him through with my spear even to the earth at once, and there shall be no need of a second time. And David said to Abisai: Kill him not: for who shall put forth his hand against the Lord's anointed, and shall be guiltless?

So David took the spear, and the cup of water which was at Saul's head, and they went away: and no man saw it, or knew it, or awoke, but they were all asleep, for a deep sleep from the Lord was fallen upon them. And David went over to the other side and stood on the top of the hill afar off, and a good space was between them.

And David, said: Behold the king's spear: let one of the king's servants come over and fetch it. And the Lord will reward every one according to his justice, and his faithfulness: for the Lord has delivered you this day into my hand, and I would not put forth my hand against the Lord's anointed.
(1 Samuel 26: 2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23)

The first man Adam was made into a living soul; the last Adam into a quickening spirit. Yet that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; afterwards that which is spiritual. The first man was of the earth, earthly: the second man, from heaven, heavenly. Such as is the earthly, such also are the earthly: and such as is the heavenly, such also are they that are heavenly. Therefore as we have borne the image of the earthly, let us bear also the image of the heavenly.
(1 Corinthians 15:45-49)

But I say to you that hear: Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you. Bless them that curse you, and pray for them that calumniate you. And to him that strikes you on the one cheek, offer also the other. And him that takes away from you your cloak, forbid not to take your coat also. Give to every one that asks you, and of him that takes away your goods, ask them not again.

And as you would that men should do to you, do you also to them in like manner. And if you love them that love you, what thanks are to you, for sinners also love those that love them? And if you do good to them who do good to you, what thanks are to you, for sinners also do this? And if you lend to them of whom you hope to receive, what thanks are to you, for sinners also lend to sinners, for to receive as much? But love your enemies: do good, and lend, hoping for nothing thereby: and your reward shall be great, and you shall be the sons of the Highest; for he is kind to the unthankful, and to the evil.

Be therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you shall be forgiven. Give, and it shall be given to you: good measure and pressed down and shaken together and running over shall they give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you shall mete withal, it shall be measured to you again.
( Luke 6:27-38 )

Reflection:

We are tempted to believe that mercy is a dangerous thing. If we allow mercy to an enemy, do we not risk that they may go, allow their hate to fester, lick their wounds, regroup, rearm, and return in vengeance? Indeed, this is possible, but perhaps such knowledge and how we act in its face is our greatest test.

So many look at the world through eyes with envy of power. If one has it, they strive to keep it. If one does not have it, they strive to gain it. We measure one another through the power we perceive that they wield, but in so doing, we miss the point. While a king may wield great armies or politicians may declare winners and losers in matters of the day, their power is fleeting and meaningless compared to what is wielded by God.

Some mistakenly believe their power comes from what they may impose on another. What they do not see is that what was given them to exercise their power, if it is not done with wisdom, it can be taken away. One who receives authority must recognize the trust with which it is given and by whom it is granted.

Power held at the point of a sword may also be taken away at the point of a sword. Sadly, this is the lesson of history as regimes and peoples rise and fall. We must ask ourselves, to what end does one come who lives by the power of the sword? What misery they shed may just as easily be unleashed upon them. This does not mean the faithful are not allowed to defend themselves against evil, but the one who plots violence through which to oppress shall never have peace, for to maintain their position of oppression, they must remain in league with evil.

The Creator of all sent His only begotten Son to us to teach us a greater power. Some looked for the Messiah to come with legions by which the oppressors of the faithful might be destroyed. Instead, the Word made flesh brought the Word and Wisdom of God; the Word and Wisdom of love. To unlock its power, we must first bring it into our hearts and we must allow our Lord and Savior to lead us in how it may be applied. To receive its blessings, we must live it with responsibility; we must turn away from the behaviors and temptations of evil.

The wars of the world, the mayhem of the streets, the fists of the moment, may resolve conflicts for a time, but only until the vanquished discover the means by which the conflict may be resumed. The oppressed will rise up and may believe they have gained freedom, but if the ways of God do not prevail, then, the peace shall be lost.

To change the cycle of oppression, mercy and forgiveness must find their place. Great strength is required to turn away evil. An even greater power is required to hold peace in its place; the power of love must be found in every heart. Such power cannot be imposed by any government or principality, at best, it can only be encouraged. Only our faith in God will allow us to see the path to peace within our day.

The heart of each person must decide. While, by ourselves, we may not be able to bring the peace we seek, if we take His hand and trust in Him, He will make us part of His force. As we strive to live according to His commandments, justice may not always be ours in this world, but His promise will be fulfilled for those He brings to His eternal kingdom where love is shared by all, where there is no pain or affliction, and where evil is not allowed to follow.

Questions for further reflection:

In what ways to we resist the desires of vengeance and promote the blessings of mercy?

In what ways do we prepare ourselves to put on our heavenly image?

In what ways do we endeavor to forgive as we desire to be forgiven?

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier