This past week I moved a dear friend of mine home from an assisted living facility to his own place. He was placed there after a week in the hospital to recover from an illness. The illness hit him fast and hard; One day he was fully functional and the next he was in the hospital completely relying on others for his care. It was a pretty traumatic experience. He felt very alone and was fearful he would not be able to care for himself. After a week he was well enough to leave the hospital but not strong enough to be on his own. He was skeptical that a care facility would be a good place for him even if for a short time.  

We did not have the ability to bring him to our home, so he went to the care facility. After a short stay he was ready to return home. My family and a few friends readied his place to welcome him. He was overwhelmed by our service and generosity. After we settled him in he asked if he could say a prayer before we left. He thanked God, the crew who cared for him so well at the facility, and those who helped at his home. Then he said, ”Lord, we ask you for your mercy because we sure don’t want your justice.” We all chuckled then said goodbye. 

In today’s Gospel, we are reminded of Nathanael’s words, “ How could anything good come from such a place?” So often we are skeptical when someone tries to convince us of the truth until we can comprehend it for ourselves. Frank did not think the staff at the care facility would care for him well. He did not think he had anyone who would come to his aid. He prayed for God’s mercy and put his life in His hands. When we are receptive to the word of Christ and when we see his love in action, the Lord Jesus himself, through the power of the Holy Spirit, touches our hearts and opens our minds to recognize the Father’s love and truth to us.

We shared our faith through our actions by cleaning Frank’s home, purchasing groceries, and setting up a plan for regular visitors. Today’s Psalm proclaims, “Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom” (Ps 145:12).

Who have you brought to Jesus Christ?  We have a lot of people to thank, but do we have anyone that will thank us?  Have I brought anyone closer to our Lord? How often do we make judgments on people or situations, convinced that we are correct? How often can we be blinded to a message from God by a “type of messenger” we didn’t expect? 

The Lord does not ask us to convert anyone.  He asks us to simply proclaim the Good News in word and action.  Only the Lord knows the hearts of His people.  Only He knows us by heart. 

Lord, grant us an open heart and mind so we can truly see you in all people. Help us to overcome our own prejudices, against others and against God himself.  And Lord, we ask you for your mercy because we sure don’t want justice without it!

Contact the author