We all expect and desire mercy from God, forgetting that the condition for receiving mercy is showing mercy, even to the undeserved, as Jesus Himself proclaimed in the beatitudes: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Mt 5:7). He also confirmed this message by telling the parable of a man, who pleaded for great mercy, but after receiving it, denied mercy to another, was condemned and questioned, “Should you not have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?” (Mt 18:33). Solomon places a simple argument in favor of the person who would shower mercy: “The generous man will be prosperous, And he who waters will himself be watered” (Prov 11:25). Let’s  be ever ready to extend mercy and obtain divine mercy.

Abba, thank You for showering upon us Your Mercy, that we may learn to be merciful. Let Your Spirit remind us of the duty of being merciful, in Jesus’ Most Merciful Name, Amen.