A True Narrative of Mercy for Today
The young man gestured, waving his hand for the woman to come to him. She, who had walked the “Walk for Life” many times, wasn’t sure what his gesture meant. Some people drive by and smile with “thumbs up” and words of encouragement… “keep up the good and holy work!” Others, not so kind, may spew words of distaste or even hatred. She was used to the gestures and remarks by now. She wasn’t sure what the young man wanted, but felt compelled to go to him.
The first words from his mouth were, “Do you really believe what you are attesting to as you walk? Do you believe that all life is precious?” She replied, “Yes, I do.”
He hung his head and stated, “You know, I’m going to hell. I talked my girlfriend into having an abortion and I’m feeling terrible about it.” She looked at the young man with compassion and replied to him, “There is always forgiveness. Jesus hears your words of repentance and knows the sorrow in your heart. Ask God to forgive you. There is always mercy and forgiveness through Christ. Share your story with others. God may use you to council a friend or be a witness to others. God loves you.” The young man looked at her with some relief, grateful for her compassionate words of mercy. He said, “God bless you,” and quietly drove away.
We all have the capacity to be disciples, sharing the Good News of Christ’s forgiveness and mercy for others. May we all be open to the opportunity, the possibility, to be Christ to someone else along the journeys of our lives.
