I say to you, something greater than the temple is here. If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men.
The Lord God reveals justice and mercy to us. Reason tells us we must deal with one another with both. All activities of family, business, government, recreation, society, and religion should be guided by these principles.
But they seem to be opposites and we can never get the combination right. To some people we are too merciful, and with others we are too just. Often, when we tried to apply justice we discover we were just being cruel, as when street children were hanged for picking the pockets of the wealthy. But sometimes, when we show mercy we discover our kindness is exploited. It seems that we give them an inch and they take a mile.
Often too, our just rules seem unkind; we believe they prevent evil and will be shown, in the long run, to be merciful. The Catholic Church, for instance, has taken its stand against abortion as a form of birth control. Such practices may provide short-term satisfaction, but we fear their consequences.
Widespread use of artificial means of birth control have proven to be catastrophic as people manage their own fertility without reference to its sacred nature. The methods allow adults to sort children into wanted and unwanted, desirable and undesirable.
But, has there ever been a parent in the history of the world who didn’t, at some point, regret giving life to this particular monster? After fifty years of effective birth control, violence against women and children has not abated, abortion is widely supported, and many young people – who were apparently wanted – commit suicide.
Those who do not welcome the cross of parenthood and recognize its sweetness will rage like the condemned nations even as we insist that our teachings are kind.
In God mercy and justice are the same thing, and only those who are governed by the Holy Spirit of Jesus can hope to balance them well. We must pray continually to be guided by the Lord in our thoughts, words, and deeds as we practice mercy, justice, and God’s merciful justice.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.