MERCY NOT JUSTICE

2nd Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)
Jn 20:19-31

Today is Divine Mercy Sunday. Jesus appeared to St. Faustina and revealed to her the infinite font of His mercy, inviting all of us to draw out, without fear, mercy from the ocean of His inexhaustible love. “Mercy,” St. Faustina said, “is God’s greatest attribute.”

Which do you prefer: God’s justice or God’s mercy? What do you ask of Him: justice or mercy? If you pray for justice, then you have already been found guilty and are doomed to the punishments your sins deserve. If you beg for mercy, then you have also already been found guilty but are undeservedly justified.

During the reign of Alexander the Great, a soldier broke the ranks in the middle of a battle and fled for his own life. Death was the punishment reserved for soldiers who would escape the battlefield. When the fleeing soldier was caught, the verdict was immediately handed down: “Guilty!” The punishment was death by the sword. The mother of the condemned soldier went to Alexander and pleaded.

“Mercy on my son, Great Emperor,” the mother begged with tears.

“Mercy? But your son does not deserve mercy!” shouted Alexander.

“Yes, Great Emperor,” the mother dared to speak again, “my son does not deserve mercy. For if he does, then it is not mercy at all.”

Amazed at the mother’s wisdom and love, Alexander spared the soldier his head.

Yes, mercy is God’s greatest attribute. But who deserves it? Not me. DO You?

Which do you prefer: justice or mercy?