The Power of Mercy in the Crucible of Discipleship

2Cor 6:1-10; Psalm: 97; Mt 5:38-42

Beloved Sisters and Brothers in Christ, today we will reflect on the power of mercy in the crucible of discipleship. As we delve into the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians and the teachings of our Lord in Matthew, we are invited to reflect on what it means to embody mercy in a world that often seems devoid of it.

Let us begin with the Apostle Paul. In 2 Corinthians 6, Paul lays out what he calls the apostolic credentials of mercy. He urges us to recognize that now is the acceptable time. This is not merely a call to action but a divine invitation to embrace mercy not just as an ideal but as a way of life. Paul speaks of the scandal of apostolic suffering, a suffering that is not in vain but is instead filled with purpose. It is through our struggles, our trials, and our tribulations that we can showcase the grace of God in our lives. How can we understand this? We see a divine paradox at play. In our weakness, God’s strength is made perfect. It is in the moments when we feel most broken that we are often able to extend the greatest mercy to others. This may sound counterintuitive, but it is the essence of the gospel. We are called to be living paradoxes, where we choose to forgive instead of retaliate, to show compassion instead of judgment. This is the heart of mercy.

Now let us turn to Matthew 5, where Jesus introduces us to the non-violent revolution of love. He challenges us to transcend the law of retaliation, the lex talionis, by saying that we must not resist an evil person. Instead of meeting violence with violence, we are called to respond with love. Imagine the impact of such a radical shift in our hearts and communities. Jesus offers four shocking commands that turn our understanding of justice upside down. Turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, give to those who ask, and do not turn away from those who want to borrow from you. Each of these commands invites us into a life of radical generosity and self-sacrifice. It compels us to ask how we can creatively transform injustice in our daily lives.

So, how do we apply these teachings? First, we must break cycles of retaliation. In a culture that often glorifies revenge, we must be the ones who stand up and say, ‘No more.’ Instead of perpetuating the cycle, let us be the ones who extend mercy and forgiveness. Second, we can transform injustice creatively. When faced with unfairness, let us respond not with anger but with innovative solutions that reflect God’s love. Third, we embrace what I like to call holy defiance in our suffering. When we suffer, we can use that pain as a platform to reach out to others and share the love of Christ. Finally, let us embody radical generosity as a witness to the world. Our acts of kindness and mercy will shine as beacons of hope in a dark world. We draw upon sacramental strength, a divine grace that empowers us to live out these principles daily. As we go back to our homes and work today, let us remember that the power of mercy is not simply an abstract concept. It is a call to action, a way of life that invites us to follow in the footsteps of Christ. Let us strive to be living paradoxes, embodying the mercy that we have first received. Amen.

St. Augustine warns: “God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination” (Sermon 39)

Pope Benedict XVI explains: “The Apostle shares in the sufferings of Christ, so that his life is a proclamation of the crucified God” (General Audience, June 2, 2010)

St. John Paul II urged: “Violence is a lie, for it goes against the truth of our faith, the truth of our humanity” (World Day of Peace Message, 2002)

St. Mother Teresa lived: “Give until it hurts, for love is giving until it no longer hurts” (No Greater Love)