But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him.
Luke 10:33-34
The peace of the Lord be with you. Today the Gospel makes a link between attaining eternal life and acts of mercy. The Biblical meaning of mercy is synonymous with compassion. Compassion and mercy both imply putting ourselves in someone else’s circumstances. Acts of mercy earn us God’s forgiveness, but more importantly, they allow us to reflect God’s goodness.
Each day God exercises mercy toward us and expects that sense of being forgiven will lead us to be understanding with others about the mistakes that have been or are being made. This requires that each of us remembers our imperfections.
Like the Good Samaritan, we are called to be agents of healing, understanding, and filial love. It appears that mercy not only brings comfort to others, but also heals our souls, making us ready for the life to come. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.