Mercy May Be Unnatural

The gospel story today about the woman caught in adultery, the authorities with stones in hand and Jesus writing in the sand is always intriguing to me. Mercy is one of the "church words" that we so often hear and use, but infrequently consider and perhaps nearly never practice. We commonly use the phrase "forgive and forget" or maybe "Just get over it!" or "Give him/her a break!" To me most of those phrases and practices allow for me to get something in return. Maybe it's a rehearsed apology or a mumbled "Sorry!". Maybe it's just a sheepish look or a thankful smile or hug--but I get something for my trouble and I feel justified. Mercy doesn't hold that element. With mercy I don't get anything other than the knowledge that God's power is at work in me. Imagine a world where nations made mercy operative! Wouldn't that be something? It's not natural, at least for me, to be merciful and wait for no return token of justice. But maybe sometimes what is natural may be better for cholesterol than it is for the soul! Happy 5th Sunday of Lent, Merciful Ones!