Episode 55 - The Beatitudes: Sweet Mercy
Divine Mercy is a quality that is within us. It includes showing forbearance toward an offender or someone we have power over, as well as having sympathetic concern/awareness of another's suffering and the desire to alleviate it. When we see an expression of mercy we are usually profoundly moved. In this episode we explore the fifth Beatitude, "Blessed are the merciful," and how we can bring ourselves as Divine Mercy into our world.
NOTES:
The fifth Beatitude:
Mercy is showing forbearance toward an offender or toward someone you have power over, particularly when it comes to meting out a punishment or collecting debt; being lenient
Greek word ἐλεηθήσονται is from the verb eleeo, which means "to have pity on," "to show mercy to," and "to feel pity”
Mercy is a form of Love that gives space between what is expected and unexpected or between condemnation and forgiveness
Mercy can generally be equated with Compassion. Compassion is:
Having a sympathetic concern/awareness of another's suffering and the desire to alleviate it
The parable of the Good Samaritan is a story of mercy.
God as Mercy is mentioned a LOT in the Bible. Here are just a few:
The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands…” Exodus 34:6
“The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalm 145:8-9
“For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6
We live in a world that is not overflowing with mercy
How can we bring ourselves as Divine Mercy to our world? It’s an inner attitude.
Where can we alleviate injury? Practically speaking…
We can refrain from: Gossip, Holding grudges, Unforgiveness, Social media frenzies, and Self-destructive behaviors
“…mercy begins by opening oneself to those with whom one might strongly disagree. Mercy doesn’t end there, of course, but it begins with such small acts of understanding, which can lead to life-changing experiences of love.” Matthew Shmaulz, author Mercy Matters
We can refrain from our exploitation of animals:
The Promise: They shall receive mercy
Mercy from...?
Grace of God
Inner peace coming from alignment of thoughts, words and deeds
Joyful woman who just rescued these dogs who were on their way to a slaughterhouse in China. An act of Mercy.
Dialogue Questions
How and where can you alleviate suffering in the world today?
Share how mercy has shown up in your life, either in giving or receiving it.
Why do you think there is an in-kind promise for being merciful?
What is your experience of receiving mercy?
What else does this mean to you?
Affirmation
There is no place where God stops and I begin. In spite of the appearance of separation, we are all One. Recognizing this, I choose to be merciful. I open myself to sympathetic concern for myself and others. Whether it is deserved or not, I release judgment and am gentle, caring and understanding. I open myself to see where I am the cause of suffering in the world and I willingly make new, more compassionate choices. I am Divine Mercy.
Notes on dialogue:
During our dialogue, Aryn briefly shared about her decision to be merciful to animals by shifting to a vegan lifestyle. She didn't get into the suffering animals and slaughterhouse workers experience, but if you are interested in awakening to that and possibly make more informed choices. here are a few links:
Factory farming:
https://www.mercola.com/infographics/truth-about-factory-farms.htm [not graphic]
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/factory-farming-facts_n_4063892
Impact on slaughterhouse workers:
https://www.texasobserver.org/ptsd-in-the-slaughterhouse/
https://yaleglobalhealthreview.com/2016/01/25/a-call-to-action-psychological-harm-in-slaughterhouse-workers/
My blog: