A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not quench.
Mt.12:20
Jesus is recorded quietly healing people and setting people free, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah. While murderous plots were being formed around him, he kept his focus on his mission. Heal the sick. Set prisoners free.
Bruised reeds. Smouldering wicks. I meet them everyday. Holy Spirit, help me sooth the bruises, breath oxygen into the splutter wicks. Let your kingdom be on earth as it is in heaven.
Amen.
Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
Mt.9:13
The Pharisees distanced themselves from sinners. Jesus embraced them.
The law demands sacrifice. Love demands mercy. I blush when recalling my enthusiasm for measuring others by the law. This didn't stop until I measured myself. I then threw myself into mercy's arms and was cured of my ailment. I had learnt the meaning of mercy.
God help us, the Church, become a hospital in the field of battle dispensing truckloads of mercy. Does this mean sinners are let of the hook? Praise God yes!
