Mercy Sunday: Second Sunday of Easter: April 11, 2021

A Sense of Relationship

The true meaning of to "have mercy" (Kyrie eleison) is to "come to the aid of another out of a sense of relationship." In Kipling's Jungle Book Mowgli learned that if he cried out, "We are one blood, ye and I," all the animals of the forest would come to his aid. Christians know that all who "walk in the light… have fellowship (koinonia) with one another" through the blood of Christ that "cleanses us from all sin"—the source of all division. And "the Spirit is the one that testifies" to this (1John 1:7; 5:6). Those who share the "communion (koinonia) of the Holy Spirit" live in mutual mercy.

The readings on "Mercy Sunday" begin: "The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions… There was no needy person among them" (Acts 4:32). Those who know "in the Spirit" they are children of the Father and members of the body of Christ help each other out of a sense of relationship.

Since we know God offers his divine Life to everyone (1Timothy 2:4; Titus 2:11)—although for particular persons we may not know when or how—Christians presume we have this relationship with everyone we deal with. We show mercy to all as to brothers and sisters. No—even more than that—as to Jesus himself (Matthew 25:31).

ACTION: Recognize every person in need as your brother or sister.

PRAYER: Lord, teach me to do unto others as I would do unto you.