Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Jesus said to his disciples: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." Luke 6:36

One day, an old man living on the street was taken to the hospital. The doctors realized that he would not live very long. They tried to find the old man's name, but all the old man would say was, "Son! Son!" In looking through his clothing they could only find a news clipping about a marine stationed in Korea. The Red Cross located this marine and flew him back to the United States. As the young man walked into the hospital room, the old man smiled broadly and exclaimed, "Son! Son!" For several hours, the young man held the old man's hand until the old man died peacefully. After that, the nurse said to the marine, "We need to know your father's full name." The marine replied, "My father? I never saw the man before in my life." Amazed, the nurse asked, "Then why did you stay?" The marine replied simply, "Because he needed me." Jesus is quite clear that we are to be compassionate as our Father is compassionate. Compassionate not only to our family and friends, but to anyone who needs compassion. Never mind giving up dessert for Lent, practice compassion!

Prayer: Father, in this seemingly dangerous world, I am still called to practice compassion. It may be just a smile, a listening ear or holding a door open. Help me find you in those who are hurting. I pray in the name of Jesus, the compassionate one.  Amen