Law and Mercy
The magazine Peniel Herald recounts the tale of a man who became a magistrate. One morning, his friend was brought to trial for breaking the law of the land. Those who knew their relationship expected the magistrate to dismiss, acquit, or show leniency towards his friend. To their astonishment, he ordered the lawbreaker to pay a heavy fine. However, the magistrate then reached into his pocket and settled the fine himself. He fulfilled his duty as a magistrate while also demonstrating mercy through his kind gesture. The Pharisees reported the disciples of Jesus for not observing the laws of the Sabbath and anticipated that Jesus would punish his disciples. The disciples infringed the Sabbath law when they were hungry, plucking heads of grain to eat. Jesus replied to the Pharisees, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath; thus, the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” Jesus sought to convey that every law is intended for the good and salvation of souls (Salus Animarum). Therefore, every law must be interpreted with merciful love. According to Pope Francis, another name for God is mercy. Today, many of us excel at adhering to laws but fall short in showing mercy. Jesus teaches us that when we uphold laws yet lack human kindness, we reduce ourselves to mere noisy gongs. Are we preoccupied with judging others mercilessly, or are we striving to bring them to Jesus through our love and compassion?
