February 21, 2022

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36)

That is a tall order which exactly zero percent of us can fulfill. And yet, Jesus says it for a reason. 

As Beach Boys Brian Wilson sings, “I was standin' in a bar and watchin' all the people there. Oh the loneliness in this world well it's just not fair. Love and mercy that’s what we need tonight. Love and mercy to you and your friends tonight.”

Well, I can’t say it better than Jesus. Or Brian. So instead of talking, it seems like a good idea to pray. Because love and mercy that’s what we need today, tonight, and tomorrow.

“O Lord, you have taught us that without love whatever we do is worth nothing: Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts your greatest gift, which is love, the true bond of peace and of all virtue, without which whoever lives is accounted dead before you. Grant this for the sake of your only Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Seventh Sunday after Epiphany – BCP)