Breathing Mercy

Today’s readings.

The psalms really have been jumping out at me: “If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who could stand?” And then it gives a wonderful reminder: “With you is forgiveness.” 

God’s mercy is like the air; it surrounds us so thoroughly that we can forget it’s even there, and yet it is what keeps us alive. Still, air has to be received. The lungs must open, and breathing is the act that we must take in order to continue living. Mercy is much the same way. God’s forgiveness is already offered, already near, already “plenteous,” and yet it becomes healing in us only as we consent to it: by telling the truth about ourselves, letting our defenses down, and allowing God to restore what our sins have warped. 

And once mercy is received, it doesn’t remain contained. The Gospel stresses that point heavily: the heart that has inhaled forgiveness has to be a place where reconciliation is possible; where anger and insult lose their claim; where peace resides and is extended outward. 

Today’s practice - Fasting from replaying old grievances:

When your mind drifts toward a past offense, do not allow it to claim you. Interrupt the mental replay with a simple prayer: “With you is forgiveness.” Suffocate the resentment and breathe the oxygen of mercy.