“I demand from you deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to your neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to excuse or absolve yourself from it. I am giving you three ways of exercising mercy toward your neighbor: the first — by deed, the second — by word, the third — by prayer. In these three degrees is contained the fullness of mercy, and it is an unquestionable proof of love for Me. By this means a soul glorifies and pays reverence to My mercy” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 742
We are commanded to act in mercy. In deed, word or prayer, we must give mercy to get mercy.
But, how can we do deeds of mercy, share words of mercy or even offer prayers of mercy if we don’t open our eyes to those around us?
I remember the feeling of mercy being given to me. My daughter had been having medical episodes that on four different occasions resulted in the hospital staff calling a ‘code.’ It is one of the most horrible feelings of helplessness. Having a nurse make that call, hearing it go out over the hospital PA system, being kicked out of the room as nurses and critical care doctors rush in. It is horrible. With each episode, I was pushed into the hallway to give the medical space to help my daughter. Though I totally get that need, it wasn’t easy. I leaned against the wall, listening and praying.
The last time this occurred, I knelt in the middle of the hallway, tears rolling down my face as I stretched out my hands begging God to let me take her place. ‘Take me, Lord, just heal my girl.” Then, something occurred that hadn’t previously. A nurse came out of the room, looked at me and turned. She put her hand on my shoulder and asked if I was ok.
I hadn’t realized how much despair was pressing down and constricting my heart. But, in that moment, weight was lifted. Kneeling in that hallway, the nurse showed me mercy. She gave me compassion.
How many times do we walk obliviously down a street? How often are we so caught up in our task that we miss those in need?
We need to always keep our eyes open and be willing to stop to show mercy in a deed like this nurse did for me. Or, by word of compassion. Or, if none of that is possible, to offer our prayers for that soul. Never let life or a task put blinders in your eyes. How will you give an act of mercy, if you’re blind to the people needing that mercy?