Mercy

As Christians, we are called to be charitable towards all, not just the people we love best, but that is easier said than done. One of the marks of a Christian is how they treat those who they believe have been uncharitable to them or others. We have all been uncharitable at times, none of us here is sinless enough to cast the first stone, and have probably all suffered from lack of charity from others. When we feel we have been wronged, do we pout, do we reveal the sins of others either in general or specifically, in private or in public, do we use our injuries to curry favor or gain sympathy? That temptation is particularly great to our delicate egos. We are all "works in progress" are we not?

Or do we use that perceived lack of charity as an opportunity to self exam our own consciences, and find those areas were our own charity has been lacking, seek forgiveness and make amends? We have the choice of holding onto resentments or forgiving 70 x 7 times realizing that in order to be able to forgive, we must accept that we will be injured first. As Fr. P. said at Mass last Sunday, after having dealt with the ugliness of an extremely personal attack, the Good Samaritan offered more than charity, he offered mercy.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, pray for us!

Blessings on this glorious feast day!