Mercy and compassion, on purpose - March 27

Today’s Readings:  AM Psalm 95, 102; PM Psalm 107:1-32 , Exod. 2:1-22; 1 Cor. 12:27-13:3; Mark 9:2-13

What radiance glows from today’s reading of the Transfiguration of Jesus! In the light of God’s love, we see who Jesus truly is: the Son, God’s beloved, who has many important things to teach. Jesus teaches through his actions and words the wisdom of the past, as we see Elijah and Moses upon the high mountain. He also teaches of compassion and mercy. We hear in Psalm 102: “You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to have mercy upon her”.

This is a time for mercy and compassion. Not because it is the nice thing to do, or because people will be calmer if we are understanding. We get to exhibit mercy and compassion on those around us – both familiar and unknown – because God shows the same to us all the time. That is God’s unabashed, overflowing grace. And so, we act from the love of God. Jesus showed us “the Way”, shining the light of promise and hope into spaces of hopelessness and fear. It is time to practice mercy and compassion more intentionally than ever.

In this holy, hard experiment, take with you the encouragement of the apostle Paul: “Strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.” (1 Cor. 12:31)

— Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

  • Upon the mountain where Jesus’ clothes were changed to glowing white and Moses and Elijah appeared, Peter didn’t know what to say. He was terrified. What do you do when you are in absolute awe?

  • Moses’ birth story is quite magnificent. What do you know of your own birth story? What are the birth stories passed down in your family?

Daily Challenge

  • Like Moses, our sins drive us to run away in various ways. Pray for forgiveness about a sin you hide deep within. Ask that God’s grace shine the light of reconciliation into that dark corner. Feel God’s mercy and compassion, and give thanks.

Katherine Harper