Mercy, Not Sacrifice

Mercy, Not Sacrifice

July 6, 2012

Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

By Melanie Rigney

Yes, days are coming, says the Lord GOD, when I will send famine upon the land: Not a famine of bread, or thirst for water, but for hearing the word of the LORD. Then shall they wander from sea to sea and rove from the north to the east in search of the word of the LORD, but they shall not find it. (Amos 8:11-12)

One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4)

… [M]any tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" He heard this and said, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners." (Matthew 9:10-13)

Piety

Lord, You know that if it’s about calling not the righteous but the sinners, You came to the right place when You stopped at my door. I praise Your name and give thanks. Help me to show Your mercy to those I meet on this journey.

Study

Many of us in northern Virginia wandered and roved this past week—for the air-conditioned homes of family and friends, or cooling centers and hotels. For grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and gas stations that were doing business. For places we could get cash, find a cell phone or Internet signal, or safely cross the street as a pedestrian or driver of a vehicle.

Our lives were disrupted. We got cranky, because no matter how kind our friends and family are or no matter how beautiful the hotel is or how lovely the restaurant is, there’s no place like home. We find comfort and safety in our routine, in the familiar.

God’s a lot the same way. We may find energy in some behaviors and thoughts that are less than pleasing to our Lord. It can feel good to yell at the kids or our spouse. Alcohol or drug abuse or other addictive behaviors can provide a rush. Cheating on a business transaction or a relationship can result in a thrill. But at some point, the excitement wears off, and our wandering and roving resumes. We get cranky, because we’re away from Home, and ultimately, nowhere other than God can provide us with the comfort and safety we most crave.

Action

Journal about the joy you feel when your soul is at peace with God.