“God’s mercy arrives before we consciously seek it. It is present even while we remain absent to its transforming power. It is prevenient — it moves toward us before we return the favor. God’s mercy comes first. Then, after living with that gift of mercy, we learn to pass it on to others.”- Rich Villodas
Rich Villodas continues Chapter 2 of The Narrow Path as he explores the next three beatitudes and their implications for our lives.
3. Blessed are the meek (Matthew 5:5). Above all, Rich asserts, we must not equate meekness with weakness. Rather, Rich describes meekness as power under control. Therefore, meek people don’t present as self-deprecating or timid. Because Jesus sees them as victors, not victims.
Our culture trains us to believe we must act in an aggressive manner to make it in this world. But in the kingdom of God, gentleness heals the world.
4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6). Here, Pastor Villodas observes, Jesus points out two types of people. Those deprived of justice and those who dispense it.
People on the receiving end of so much wrong long for things to be made right. As a result, satisfaction fills them when they see God judge evil and bring about justice. Someday God will exalt the lowly and lower the exalted.
5. Blessed are the merciful (Matthew 5:7). In the world we inhabit, meanness dominates, not mercy. Consequently, Jesus connects happiness (blessedness) and mercy. And as we embody the practice of mercy in our lives, we serve as reflections of the Father, who delights in showing mercy (Micah 7:18).
In conclusion, Rich cites priest and theologian Ron Rolheiser. Father Rolheiser once asked an old priest if he’d do anything differently if he could start his priesthood over again. The old priest replied:
“I wouldn’t be so stingy with God’s mercy, with the sacraments, with forgiveness. . . . I fear that I’ve been too hard on people. They have pain enough without me and the church laying further burdens on them. I should have risked God’s mercy more!”
Today’s question: How do you respond to the prevenient mercy of God? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Pure in heart: God-attentiveness”