Lessons of Mercy

The Works of Mercy outlined in yesterday's Gospel instruct us in our duties toward the hungry, thirsty, naked, lonely, sick, and imprisoned. No doubt you've heard countless sermons on how to act toward those in need and been given hundreds of suggestions for ways to make a difference in the world. But what about the times when YOU are the one in need?

When hearing this Gospel, we almost always put ourselves into the position of the giver, the one possessing a basket full of goodies to share with the "least" in society. Have you ever considered that in order to give, there must be someone to receive? The fact is, sometimes it might be you.

I love the story of the starfish thrower. A lonely activist on the beach working tirelessly to toss helpless fish back into the sea. One at a time, he attends to the almost endless task ahead. This valiant optimist also instructs a passerby that while perhaps he cannot make a difference for every fish, he has made a world of difference for at least one.

In this story, I think we can find the three stages of our Christian life. At times, we are like the starfish thrower. We are strong, capable and full of energy. We see the many ways we can make a difference in the world. Like in yesterday's Gospel, we step up and do our part to feed, clothe, visit, and attend to the needs of many. However, we can't all be starfish throwers all of the time.

Sometimes in life, we are the starfish. Life gets rough. Our financial situation turns south. Our health is poor. We feel lost and alone. We become the "least" and need another to give us a helping hand back into the sea of life.

Other times, we find ourselves in between. We are the observer on the beach or the disciple in the crowd. We may be recovering, healing, or just getting back on our feet. We walk aimlessly along watching others do the work. We see the needy and either hope we don't end up in that position or remember what it was like. Either way, we are neither one nor the other. This in-betweenness is where we grow and build strength. We have lessons to learn.

Each element of the starfish story is necessary. The thrower is not the only one with an important role. Without the starfish to be thrown and the passerby to learn the lesson, there is no story. The same is true in life. In our humanity, we strive to be the giver. But sometimes we find ourselves to be the one in need, or at least in need of a lesson.

In the same way, each role in our life has a lesson about mercy. We should always strive to see and attend to the needs of others. This can be in big or small ways. We have a responsibility to be Christ for others. But sometimes we will be the one in need. In those cases, we can graciously and willingly accept the help and love of others. We must let others be Christ for us. Finally, we can learn from those who do good. Being supportive of others and letting them share their wisdom with us can help us grow in our faith and love for Christ.

Where do you see yourself today? Are you a thrower, a starfish, or the observer on the beach? How does the Gospel of the Works of Mercy speak to you at your place in life?