Lent Day 11 – Just As Your father

Luke 6:36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

I read these words from Luke today and immediately thought of Rambo. That’s what everyone in school called him.

He wore a camouflaged mesh trucker cap – long before hipsters did – and cowboy boots and Wranglers and western shirts with pearl snaps.

His hands were gnarled, his arms unable to straighten completely, and his legs were stiff and turned in so that walking was slow and difficult. More difficult was speaking.

Popular kids kept Rambo around as a kind of sidekick – trading “friendship” for obedience. One day after lunch I saw them send Rambo into the girls locker room to hear their screams and laugh – patting a grinning Rambo on the back when he emerged laughing too. “I scared ’em real good!”

I always felt bad for Rambo but never intervened, never learned his real name either.

Then one day mom and I were at the mall and I saw Rambo crying off in the distance. Alone. And mom went to him – I followed.

She asked him his name.

“Mmmichael,” he managed.

“Where are your parents?”

While a security guard searched for Michael’s mother, my mother comforted him. She dried his tears, assured him he was no bother to us, and that his mother would be there soon.

I don’t know if compassion is genetic but if it is I got mine from my mom. Compassion is the ability to suffer with those who are suffering – and my mom feels the pain of those around her…and characters in movies…and strangers on the news…and actors in commercials…lost boys at the mall. She feels deeply and cries unashamedly.

But mercy is something more. Mercy is learned. My mother taught me.

Mercy is empathy turned into action.

Compassion is drawing a red “X” on your hand. Mercy is changing how you shop.

Compassion is wishing there were fewer orphans in the world. Mercy is adopting one.

Compassion is being angry at injustice. Mercy is giving your life and your money to defending the oppressed.

Compassion is feeling sorry for Rambo. Mercy is learning his name, comforting, waiting, reuniting.

Just like my mother. As my Father.

Pope-Francis-Quote

Our Prayer

Jesus, who came to Earth to show us the love of the Father, love through us today. God, who was moved to the cross, please move us to those who are lost.

Amen.