As we continue exploring the blessed statements (also known as the beatitudes) this year, let's focus on the fifth statement in this newsletter: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy." - Matthew 5:7.

To show mercy means choosing forgiveness and compassion, even when they may not deserve it. Mercy is an essential quality we are expected to show to those who wronged us—in other words, those who are mean to us. It reflects the mercy God has shown us despite our shortcomings and mistakes.

To illustrate the quality of mercy, let's consider the parable of the prodigal son, found in the gospel according to Luke. Once upon a time, a rich man lived with two sons. One day, the younger son asked his father for his share of the inheritance. The father divided his wealth and gave the younger son his share. The younger son then left for a distant country. Asking for his inheritance while the father was alive is equivalent to saying, "You are dead to me" in that cultural context.

What would you do if you had a lot of money and lived in a country far away? What would happen if you start spending money on whatever pleases you? You will run out of money sooner than you think. When the money ran out and a famine struck the country, the young man desperately needed food. He took a job feeding pigs and even longed to eat the food he was feeding them.

Realising his mistake, the son returned to his father's house to confess his wrongdoings. As he travelled home, his father saw him from a distance and ran to hug him. Overjoyed at his son's return, the father ordered a feast to celebrate.

This story teaches us about a father's boundless love and mercy. The mercy is demonstrated through forgiveness and compassion, even when the son does not deserve it. In the same way, the Father in heaven is merciful and ready to forgive us when we return to him with a repentant heart like the prodigal son. Will you return to God, who is waiting for you with open arms?

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Blessings

Prasad Patchigalla