GOD DESIRES MERCY

"God is rich in mercy" (Eph 2:4). He delights "in showing mercy" (Mi 7:18, JB). "His mercy endures forever" (Ps 136:1). God desires mercy (Mt 9:13).

Fr. Lauer, founder and long-time author of One Bread, One Body, defined mercy as treating someone better than they deserve. To treat someone as they deserve is to give them their due. This is a fair and just price to pay, and even "sinners do as much" (Lk 6:33).

At a higher level than paying someone their due is to sacrifice for someone. This involves paying a higher cost to serve someone, going above and beyond the minimum. Sacrifices come at a personal cost. They require time, energy, love, and forethought. "God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind" (Heb 13:16).

However, ultimately it is not sacrifice that God desires; His heart is set upon mercy (Mt 9:13). Jesus' disciples are set apart by treating others better than they deserve, including enemies, persecutors, criminals, sinners, etc. Jesus' disciples are impelled by love (see 2 Cor 5:14) to imitate their Master by laying down their lives for people who don't even care about them (see Rm 5:8), regardless of whether or not that mercy is even appreciated. "This will prove that you are" children of God (Mt 5:45), rich in mercy (Eph 2:4). This is what God desires.