4 February 2023

When Jesus disembarked he saw a vast crowd and his heart was moved with pity. Today we read a visceral image of the heart of Christ being moved to mercy and pity at the sight of the crowds. Jesus’ whole life was a mission of mercy. This trait of God, merciful love, is at the heart of the Christian mystery. “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.” This beatitude of mercy is central to the Christian life as it was central to the heart of Christ both on earth and in heaven.

Let us pray to be renewed in gratitude by the ways that Christ has already shown us mercy in our lives. Let us pray for the courage to invite the Lord into those aspects of our lives that are still in need of his merciful healing. Let us pray to have hearts that show mercy to those we encounter like we read Christ was in the Gospel today.