Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Mt 12:1-8

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice”

If we read the gospel carefully, we may realize that during three years of ministry, Jesus always fought with Pharisees and scribes. And one of the hottest topics is about laws. They were fighting because they had two different lenses of seeing things. While Pharisees and scribes see almost everything under the rules and human efforts of keeping a relationship with God, while Jesus ‘core of teaching is not about laws or sacrifices but God’s mercy

According to Jesus, mercy is the proper lens for clearly understanding God’s requirements and laws. Mercy toward others should guide our attitudes, behaviors, and dispositions.

He invites each of us to do the same, placing mercy at the center of our daily lives because God's mercy can manifest through the kindness and compassion we show to others, regardless of their circumstances. This reflects the belief that we are all worthy of love, mercy, and forgiveness and that our actions can bring hope and healing to those around us.

In a small village nestled among rolling hills, there lived an old woman named Maria. Maria had spent most of her life caring for others, but as she grew older, loneliness became her constant companion. Her only solace was her faith in God, whom she believed watched over her with infinite compassion.

One winter evening, as Maria sat by her dimly lit fireplace, a knock echoed through her modest home. Surprised, she opened the door to find a weary traveler soaked to the bone from the relentless rain. Without a word, Maria ushered him in, offering dry clothes and a warm meal. Gratefully, the traveler accepted her hospitality.

As they sat by the fire, the traveler shared his tale of hardship and loss. Maria listened intently, offering words of comfort and encouragement. Moved by her kindness, the traveler asked, "Maria, why do you show such compassion to a stranger like me?"

With a gentle smile, Maria replied, "Long ago, I learned that every act of kindness we show to others is a reflection of God's mercy. In His eyes, we are all His children, deserving of love and compassion, no matter our past or present."

The traveler nodded thoughtfully, touched by Maria's words. That night, as he lay in the cozy bed Maria had prepared, he reflected on his own life and the mistakes he had made. He found himself silently praying, seeking forgiveness and guidance.

The next morning, the rain had ceased, and the traveler prepared to continue his journey. Before he left, he turned to Maria and said, "Thank you for showing me God's mercy through your kindness. I will never forget this."

Maria smiled warmly and embraced the traveler. "Remember," she said softly, "God's mercy is boundless. It is there for all who seek it."

As the traveler walked away, Maria closed her door and looked up at the sky, feeling a deep sense of peace. She knew that through her simple act of kindness, she had shared God's love and mercy with another soul in need.