This summer I am sharing some thoughts on the teaching of Jesus called the Beatitudes, found in the opening verses of Matthew chapter 5. The word “beatitude” means a blessing that produces well-being. A blessing comes from God and is to be gratefully received and generously shared. A focus on the Beatitudes is an opportunity to align our lives with Christ’s intentions for his disciples.

The fifth Beatitude is: Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. This saying of Jesus reminds me of another common sense saying of our Leader, you reap what you sow. Jesus demonstrated the integrity he demands from his disciples. In this case, mercy given can expect to be returned.

The Biblical idea of mercy is sometimes connected to forgiveness and sometimes connected to compassion. Compassion is the ability to empathize with another’s need and to take action to meet the need. For instance, in Mark 10:46-52, we meet Bartimaeus, who is blind and as a result is forced to beg for a living. When Bartimaeus hears Jesus drawing near, he cries out, Son of David, have mercy on me! When Jesus stops and talks to Bartimaeus, he asks, what can I do for you? Bartimaeus replied, let me see again. Sure enough, Bartimaeus regained his sight! Jesus was compassionate. Let’s follow this good example, sharing and receiving mercy as compassion.

May you be blessed,

Marc