Mercy and Finding Home

Scripture Reflection for the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 14, 2013)

Scripture Readings:
Deuteronomy 30:10-14
Psalm 69
Colossians 1:15-20
Luke 10:25-37.

Generations have passed before us, struggling to remain connected to our Church in their time. New societal pressures or expanded teachings might spark a rumbling or transitions might leave others disoriented. Each group may live in a new moment to which they need to adapt.

I never thought this would be me.

I write these words three years after attending Catholics on Call. My faith has matured and struggled, landing me in this ineffable state. Yet, reflecting on these readings has been a blessing!

So why do these readings speak to me? Through a litany of time and emotion the chief theme of mercy unites. First, Moses speaks about when the Israelites return. While I never would have imagined this odd lacking in my own faith, my time in this spiritual desert identifies with this idea. Regardless, Moses reminds us that God is close. We must trust what is already in our hearts and minds, as we “…have only to carry it out”.

Following suit, the Responsorial Psalm laments of the pain in life, escalating the idea of mercy while also expanding on the premise of finding a spiritual home. The second reading takes this new theme and reminds us that we must do nothing to earn our place. Peace has been made for the benefit of those on earth or in heaven. Both passages speak to abounding compassion and love, while reiterating that our place with God always remains open for us.

Finally in the Gospel, we hear of a scholar asking Jesus what he must do to seek his spot in heaven. Jesus responds with the Great Commandment. Yet, the scholar pushes more, and Jesus shares the parable of the Good Samaritan. Mercy again arises to the forefront. Serving our fellow man, be it a robbed man on the side of the road, a woman on a street corner, or that irritating driver in front of us, we are to be men and women for others, acting in compassion.

And, yes, there is one other needed recipient of this gift: ourselves. We know that we are not perfect and the price was already paid. But sometimes we forget the simple teachings of these readings: that deserts and detours may come, despair might bring you to your knees and you may not see the peace that awaits you.

Yet, when acting with mercy, our spiritual home seems a bit closer. Be it by“loving the Lord, your God,with all your heart,with all your being,with all your strength,and with all your mind” which encourages us not to give up and to seek our God despite transitions or moments of adaptation. Also by “loving your neighbor as yourself”, which moves us beyond ourselves and our rules, to live in kindness while being in community with one another.

These are no easy tasks. Yet, through acting on the Great Commandment, we can receive and give this grace, while our nomadic selves rest in knowledge that no matter how wide the desert, we will find our way home.

Have mercy, with others, with yourself, and with your journey.

Image: The Sky And The Road by Larisa Koshkina (at publicdomainpictures.net)