Mercy Not Sacrifice

Mercy and Compassion

In a world of rules and rigid lines,

Where laws are etched in stone,

Let mercy and compassion shine,

For love is where we’re truly known.

Human needs and well-being,

Should rise above the rest,

For in the warmth of kindness,

Our actions are truly blessed.

Let not the chains of legalism,

Bind our hearts and hands,

But let love and grace be the prism,

Through which we understand.

Seek a deeper understanding,

Of God’s intentions pure,

Apply His principles with wisdom,

In love, let our hearts endure.

For in the end, it’s love that stays,

When all else fades away,

So let us walk in kindness’ ways,

And in compassion, find our way.

REFLECTION:

If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.” (Matthew 12:7-8)

Mercy and compassion is far more important over legalism and strict adherence to the law. Human needs and well-being should take precedence over rigid rules and traditions. We should prioritize love and kindness in our actions, especially when dealing with others’ needs. Let us seek a deeper understanding of God’s intentions and to apply His principles with wisdom and grace.

A Prayer for Mercy and Compassion

Lord Jesus,

We come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your guidance and grace. Teach us to value mercy and compassion above all else, to see beyond the rigid lines of legalism and strict adherence to the law. Help us to prioritize human needs and well-being, understanding that love and kindness should always lead our actions.

Grant us the wisdom to discern Your intentions, to apply Your principles with grace and understanding. May we always seek to embody Your love in our interactions with others, especially when they are in need. Let our hearts be filled with compassion, and our hands be instruments of Your mercy.

Guide us, Lord, to walk in Your ways, to live out Your teachings with a spirit of gentleness and care. May we always remember that in loving others, we are loving You.

In Your holy name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

IV: Opposition from Israel

PICKING GRAIN ON THE SABBATH

Matthew 12:1-8

Gospel Acclamation

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me. 

Gospel | Matthew 12:1-8

1 Jesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. 2 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath.” 3 He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry, 4 how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering, which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat? 5 Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests serving in the temple violate the sabbath and are innocent? 6 I say to you, something greater than the temple is here. 7 If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.” 

Background:

In Matthew 12:1-8, Jesus and His disciples are walking through grainfields on the Sabbath. The disciples, being hungry, begin to pluck heads of grain and eat them. This action prompts the Pharisees to accuse them of breaking the Sabbath law, which forbids work on this holy day.

Jesus responds by referencing two Old Testament examples: 

David and the consecrated bread: When David was hungry, he ate the bread of the Presence, which was lawful only for priests to eat (1 Samuel 21:1-6). 

Priests working on the Sabbath: Priests in the temple perform duties on the Sabbath and are considered guiltless. Jesus emphasizes that He is “greater than the temple” and declares, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” He also quotes Hosea 6:6, saying, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” highlighting the importance of compassion over rigid adherence to the law.

This passage underscores Jesus’ authority over the Sabbath and His teaching that mercy and human need take precedence over strict legalism. It challenges the Pharisees’ interpretation of the law and points to a deeper understanding of God’s will.

Learning Lessons:

Matthew 12:1-8 offers several valuable lessons:

Compassion Over Legalism: Jesus emphasizes the importance of mercy and compassion over strict adherence to the law. This teaches us to prioritize love and kindness in our actions, especially when dealing with others’ needs.

Understanding the Spirit of the Law: The Pharisees focused on the letter of the law, but Jesus highlighted the spirit behind it. This encourages us to seek a deeper understanding of God’s intentions and to apply His principles with wisdom and grace.

Jesus’ Authority: By declaring Himself “Lord of the Sabbath,” Jesus asserts His divine authority. This reminds us of His sovereignty and the importance of recognizing His lordship in all aspects of our lives.

Human Need is Paramount: The disciples’ hunger justified their actions on the Sabbath. This lesson teaches us that human needs and well-being should take precedence over rigid rules and traditions.

Biblical Examples: Jesus uses examples from the Old Testament to illustrate His points. This shows the importance of knowing Scripture and how it can guide us in understanding and applying God’s will.

Reflecting on these lessons can help us grow in our faith and live out God’s love and compassion in our daily lives. 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Be Merciful to me a Sinner

But the tax collector stood off at a distance 

and would not even raise his eyes to heaven 

but beat his breast and prayed, 

‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ 

(Luke 18:9-13)

Jesus teaches us about the importance of humility, repentance, and sincerity in prayer. Our prayers should not be  just words on our lips, but that our prayers arise out of the depths of our being. They’re the groanings that come from our hearts. We shold be honest with God about our thoughts, feelings, and desires. It means being transparent with God, who already knows our hearts. Our act of communicating sincerely with the Lord opens up channels for His divine assistance and blessing. We should focus on God and not on ourselves. God values these more than self-righteousness or outward displays of piety.  It’s a powerful message about the nature of true righteousness and the mercy of God. Let us focus on the condition of our hearts and our relationship with God, rather than just the outward expressions of our faith.

9 Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. 10 “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ 13 But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ 14 I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14)

In the quiet chambers of our hearts where faith and love in silence starts, let us focus, let us stay on the path, the truth, the way. Not on rituals, not on rites, not on religious heights, but on the condition of our hearts so deep where secrets and desires sleep. Our relationship with God, so divine, more precious than any earthly shrine, let it be our guiding light in the day and in the night. For it's not the outward that He sees, not the public charities but the love that in our hearts reside and in our actions, coincide. So let us focus, let us pray, on our hearts and on the way, to a faith that's living, that's real that's not just about how we kneel. But about how we live and love with guidance from above, for then our faith is not just an expression, but a journey to divine connection.

Dear Lord Jesus, we come before You today with a desire to focus more on the condition of our hearts and our relationship with You, rather than just the outward expressions of our faith. Help us to cultivate a heart that is pure, a heart that seeks to know You more each day. Let our relationship with You be the cornerstone of our lives, influencing all that we say and do. Guide us away from the temptation to put more emphasis on outward expressions of faith that can sometimes become hollow or routine. Instead, let our faith be a living, breathing part of us, sincere and deeply rooted in our love for You. Teach us to value the unseen efforts, the quiet moments of prayer, the genuine acts of love, more than the seen and applauded. For we know that You see all things and You reward in secret. May our faith be authentic and our love for You be the driving force behind all our actions. Let our lives be pleasing to You, not because of what others see, but because of our sincere love for You and our desire to honor You in all that we do. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

A call to repentance. We are urged to return to the Lord, acknowledging our sins and seeking His healing and restoration. God declares that He has judged the people through the prophets and their words. He emphasizes that He desires love and knowledge of God more than ritual sacrifices. This underscores the importance of sincere faith and obedience over mere religious rituals. It’s a powerful reminder of God’s mercy and the transformative power of genuine faith. 

1 “Come, let us return to the Lord, it is he who has rent, but he will heal us; he has struck us, but he will bind our wounds. 2 He will revive us after two days; on the third day he will raise us up, to live in his presence. 3 Let us know, let us strive to know the Lord; as certain as the dawn is his coming, and his judgment shines forth like the light of day! He will come to us like the rain, like spring rain that waters the earth.” 4 What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah? Your piety is like a morning cloud, like the dew that early passes away. 5 For this reason I smote them through the prophets, I slew them by the words of my mouth; 6 For it is love that I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. (Hosea 6:1-6)

In the quiet halls of the heart's cathedral where faith and hope in silence kneel, God whispers to the humble and the meek, His desires, His love, His truth to speak. "He desires love," He softly imparts, "More than the rituals that fill your carts, more than the sacrifices on the altar laid, more than the grandest parade. He yearns for knowledge, pure and deep, not in shallow waters, but in the ocean's keep. To know Him truly, to understand His ways is more precious than a thousand days. Rituals and sacrifices, they have their place but without love, they're but empty space. Without knowledge, they're but a hollow sound, a clanging cymbal, echoing round. So let your love be sincere and true, let your knowledge of God continually renew. For these are the offerings He holds dear, these are the prayers He longs to hear."

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You today, acknowledging that You desire love and knowledge of You more than ritual sacrifices. Help us, Lord, to love You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Let our love for You be genuine, deep, and unwavering. May it be the driving force behind everything we do. Grant us the wisdom to know You more. Open our minds and hearts to Your truth. Let us seek You in Your Word, in prayer, and in the beauty of Your creation. May our knowledge of You grow each day. Help us to understand that rituals and sacrifices are not ends in themselves, but means to express our love for You and our desire to know You better. Let us not get caught up in the form and forget the substance. We pray that our lives will be pleasing to You, not because of the rituals we perform, but because of our sincere love for You and our desire to know You more. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

A heartfelt plea for mercy and forgiveness. Let us acknowledge our sins and ask God to cleanse us from our guilt. God values the condition of our hearts more than our religious rituals. What God truly desires is a contrite spirit and a humbled heart. When our hearts are right with God, only then when God will be pleased with our sacrifices. This underscores the importance of genuine repentance over ritualistic observances and a call to sincere repentance and faith in God’s mercy and forgiveness. 

3 Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. 4 Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. 18 For you are not pleased with sacrifices; should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it. 19 My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn. 20 Be bountiful, O Lord, to Zion in your kindness by rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem; 21 then shall you be pleased with due sacrifices, burnt offerings and holocausts. (Psalm 51:3-4, 18-19, 20-21)

When our hearts align with His divine, only then do our sacrifices shine. Not in the grandeur of deeds done but in the love for the Almighty One. In the quiet whispers of the soul, in the acts of love that make us whole, in the humble acceptance of His grace, in every moment, in every place. When our hearts are right, and pure, and true, when His love in us continually renews, only then, in His holy sight do our sacrifices burn bright. For it's not the ritual, nor the rite, not the burning candles in the night, but the heart that's open, the heart that's free, that brings pleasure to God, for all eternity.

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You today, understanding that when our hearts are right with You, only then will You be pleased with our sacrifices. Help us, Lord, to align our hearts with Your will. Let our thoughts, words, and actions reflect Your love and righteousness. May our hearts be pure and sincere in all that we do. Guide us in our journey of faith, that we may offer sacrifices that are pleasing to You - sacrifices of love, kindness, and compassion. Let our lives be a testament to Your grace and mercy. We pray for the wisdom to discern Your will and the courage to follow it. Help us to understand that true sacrifice is not about what we give up, but about how we live and love according to Your will. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

THE PARABLE OF THE PHARISEE AND THE TAX COLLECTOR

Luke 18:9-14

The Book of Hosea

INSINCERE CONVERSION

Hosea 6:1-11

Second Book : Psalms 42-72

THE MISERERE: PRAYER OF REPENTANCE

Psalm 51:1-21

Reflection Source:

Copilot in Edge

Mercy Upon All

God delivered all to disobedience, 

that He might have mercy upon all.

ROMANS 11:32

Just as you once disobeyed God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now disobeyed in order that, by virtue of the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. - Romans 11:30-31

Father in heaven, You are everything to me who makes up for my entire being through Jesus Christ Your most beloved Son, my Lord and Savior. Thank You so much for giving me Your Spirit of wisdom and understanding so that I will not be wise in my own estimation. 

Believing in myself rather than completely entrusting and surrendering my faith in you has brought a lot of failures in my life in the past. Indeed, You made me realize the truth that I can not possibly live without you. Today, I completely surrender my mind and heart to Your will and purpose so that Your hand can continue to work powerfully in me.

This gifts and the call that I have received from You O God are irrevocable. They shall remain permanently imbedded in my heart until the end of time.

 

With much love and thanksgiving I humbly pray in Jesus Name. Amen.

Mercy and not Sacrifice

Jesus said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (Mt. 9:12-13)

It is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats take away sins. For this reason, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; in holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight in. Then I said, ‘As is written of me in the scroll, behold, I come to do your will, O God.’ ” First he says, “Sacrifices and offerings, holocausts and sin offerings, you neither desired nor delighted in.” These are offered according to the law. Then he says, “Behold, I come to do your will.” He takes away the first to establish the second. By this “will,” we have been consecrated through the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ once for all. -- Hebrews 10:4-10

Bless the God of all, who in every way does great things; who exalts our days from birth, and deals with us according to His mercy. May He give us gladness of heart, and grant that peace may be in our days. May He entrust to us His mercy! (Sir 50: 22-24)

Have mercy on me, God, in Your goodness; in Your abundant compassion blot out my offense. Wash away all my guilt; from my sin cleanse me. (Ps 51:1-4) Let Your mercy come to me, O Lord, Your salvation according to Your promise (Ps 119:41).

Published:

March 25, 2017, 10:58 AM

Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

 To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving, and I will call upon the name of the Lord. - Psalm 116:17

Entrusted with the Lord's Mercy

 May he entrust to me his mercy! And let him deliver me in my days! (Sirach 50:24)

Have Mercry on Me

Have mercy on me, God, in your goodness; in your abundant compassion blot out my offense. Wash away all my guilt; from my sin cleanse me. - Psalm 51:1-4

Have mercy upon us, O Lord, the God of all, and look upon us. - Sirach 36:1

Let your mercy come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise. - Psalm 119:41

Have mercy, O Lord, upon the people called by thy name, upon Israel, whom thou hast likened to a first-born son. - Sirach 36:12


Published:
March 02, 2011, 11:16 AM