Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8 / Matthew 12:1-8
There is an old hymn that we don't hear often nowadays.
In the past, that hymn was usually sang at funerals, maybe because the tune is rather solemn and mournful.
The title of that hymn is "God of mercy and compassion".
The first verse and the chorus goes like this:
God of mercy and compassion,
Look with pity upon me,
Father, let me call Thee Father,
'Tis Thy child returns to Thee.
Refrain:
Jesus, Lord, I ask for mercy;
Let me not implore in vain;
All my sins, I now detest them,
Never will I sin again.
That first verse and chorus already tells us what is expressed in the title "God of mercy and compassion".
The hymn can be used as an expression of repentance, of sorrow for sins, for examination of conscience, and not just for funerals.
But it is also a hymn to invoke God's mercy and compassion.
And who doesn't need God's mercy and compassion?
When we admit and confess that we have sinned, then with a humble and contrite heart, we turn to the God of mercy and compassion for forgiveness and healing.
The mercy and compassion of God is expressed profoundly in the open Heart of our Saviour Jesus.
So as we offer our devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and beseech His mercy and compassion, let us also know what Jesus is asking of us.
Just as God is merciful and compassionate, we too must be merciful and compassionate to others.
In this way, our own sins will also be forgiven and mercy will be shown to us.