Daily Reflections ...

Too often we equate ‘mercy’ as weakness and more a feeling of pity rather than a dynamic force that can change our lives. Pope Francis, a herald of mercy reminds us that ‘The mercy of Jesus is not just sentiment: indeed it is a force that gives life and raises us up!’

The repeated ‘mercy’ cries of Bartimaeus bring about his encounter with Jesus, despite the best efforts of the crowd to embarrass and shush him. It would have taken great courage to persist in shouting out to capture the attention of Jesus, whose action in calling for the blind beggar to come to him, changes the demeanour of the crowd, who now urge Bartimaeus to ‘Take heart; get up; he is calling you.’

Jesus’ response to this ‘mercy’ cry is powerful not only, in healing Bartimaeus of his blindness, but also in helping the crowd let go of their preconceived idea that those who are suffering are not worthy of God’s love and healing.  

The work and witness of the Fred Hollows Foundation, Mercy Ships, Emmanuel City Mission and thousands of other charitable organisations demonstrates the power of ‘mercy’ to change lives in our world today. How do we respond to call of those around us for help? Do we avoid or shush their cries for help or do we encounter them and let them know that God loves them?

Do we recognise our need for God’s mercy?  The Jesus’ Prayer is a simple means of daily imploring the powerful mercy of God. In The Way of a Pilgrim, the pilgrim advises, as you draw your breath in, say, or imagine yourself saying, ‘Lord Jesus Christ,’ and as you breathe again, ‘have mercy on me.’

By Mike Humphrys