Living the Beatituds 5 - Blessed are the Merciful

The beatitude, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7), encapsulates a profound invitation from Christ to reflect God’s compassion in our own lives and to participate in His divine nature. This teaching not only encourages us to practice mercy but also aligns us with the very essence of God, guiding us on the path to theosis—our ultimate union with God. By embracing mercy, we mirror God's boundless love and compassion, becoming worthy of His blessings.

Mercy as a Divine Gift

Mercy is recognized by St. Paul as one of the "better gifts" (1 Corinthians 12:31), which align us with God’s love and goodness. It is a gift that brings us closer to the divine and strengthens our relationship with Him. Mercy is more than an act of kindness; it is a central element of the Christian life, necessary for our spiritual transformation. Practicing mercy helps us remain on the narrow path toward theosis, continually refining our hearts to be more like Christ's. This process is not without discernment. Mercy must be guided by prudence, ensuring that our actions are wise, just, and ultimately beneficial for both the giver and the receiver. It is not enough simply to show mercy; it must be done in a way that fosters genuine growth and transformation in others.

The Nature of Mercy

Mercy requires us to acknowledge the inequalities in the world. Saint Gregory of Nyssa refers to these as "capricious inequalities of circumstances," where some are blessed with abundance and others face lack. Those who have more are called to share with those in need, thus creating a balance that reflects the divine law of mercy. This law calls us to respond to the suffering we see around us—whether that suffering is material, emotional, or spiritual.

Mercy softens the heart, allowing us to connect with those who are suffering. It compels us not only to share material resources but also to offer emotional and spiritual support. True mercy involves empathy: sharing in the pain of others, feeling their distress, and striving to alleviate it.

Mercy as Intensified Charity

Mercy is not just a superficial act of kindness but is an "intensified charity"—a deep expression of love that unites us with those who suffer. It goes beyond surface-level actions and touches the very core of the heart, motivating us to extend compassion and understanding to others. Mercy is not limited by material wealth; even those without physical resources can be merciful because the will to do good is not inferior to the act itself. True mercy emanates from an inner disposition of compassion, making it accessible to all.

Even thoughts of kindness are merciful. The disposition of the heart is what truly matters. Whether or not we have material wealth, the inner will to act mercifully—born of genuine love—expresses the truest form of mercy.

Mercy's Societal Impact

Mercy has the power to transform society. In a world governed by mercy, there would be no inequality or discrimination. Hatred, envy, and resentment would dissolve, replaced by peace, justice, and unity. In this vision, social ills such as fraud, injury, and war would cease to exist. Instead, virtues like kindness, compassion, and love would flourish. Mercy is the foundation of all loving relationships. It is the force that should bind society together, fostering harmony and mutual understanding between individuals.

Mercy transforms human interactions, turning them into expressions of love. Without mercy, relationships are marred by cruelty and selfishness, leading to conflict. But where mercy is present, misunderstandings are healed, unity is restored, and relationships are deepened.

Mercy and the Inner Goodness

St. Gregory of Nyssa teaches that God has endowed each of us with "all the powers of goodness." We do not need to look outside ourselves for the capacity to do good; it already resides within us, as part of the divine image in which we were created. As Jesus said, "The Kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21). The mercy we practice comes not from external circumstances, but from the goodness planted deep in our hearts.

Mercy, therefore, is a voluntary act—it is not something that is forced upon us. It flows from the free will God has given us, and it is a deliberate expression of our alignment with His goodness. St. Gregory highlights that we have the power to choose between good and evil, and this choice defines our spiritual destiny. Mercy, then, is a conscious decision to bring the goodness that resides within us to the surface.

The Role of Free Will in Mercy

The concept of mercy is inseparable from the idea of free will. While we are all endowed with the capacity for goodness, we must choose to bring it forth. This decision is not imposed by external circumstances but comes from our free will. The ability to choose mercy is part of our God-given freedom, and it is up to us to act in accordance with this divine calling.

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

The parable of the rich man and Lazarus serves as a powerful illustration of the importance of mercy. The rich man, despite his abundance, failed to show mercy to Lazarus, a poor man suffering at his gate. When the rich man died and sought mercy in the afterlife, it was too late. His choices during his life had already sealed his eternal fate. This parable underscores the seriousness of our decisions regarding mercy, showing that our destiny is shaped by how we live in this world, particularly by the mercy we show to others.

Paul writes in Galatians 6:8, "For he that sows in his flesh, of the flesh also shall reap corruption. But he that sows in the spirit, of the spirit shall reap life everlasting." This connection between mercy and free will reminds us that the way we choose to live—whether through mercy or neglect—determines the life we will reap, both in this world and the next.

Conclusion

Mercy is a transformative force that shapes both the individual and society. It is a gift from God and a deliberate choice that reflects His divine love. By practicing mercy, we align ourselves with God’s goodness and participate in His work of healing and transformation. Through mercy, we move closer to theosis, growing in union with God and with each other. It is a powerful expression of love that transcends material acts of kindness, rooted in the compassion that resides in every human heart. Mercy is not just a moral command but an invitation to partake in the life of God, bringing us into a deeper relationship with Him and with all of creation.

Reference: The Lords Prayer and Beatitudes by Gregory of Nyssa, Ancient Christian Writers vol. 1, ,pp 87-95