A Broader Mercy – BuxMont UU

Mercy’s definition reminds us that, on the human level, it involves the virtues of compassion and forgiveness. Dr. Janet K. Ruffing, RSM, a Sister of Mercy, reminds us that “compassion is more than a feeling…it also involves an effective response, a remedy or amelioration of concrete suffering.” She writes mercy, as compassion, “addresses the root causes of suffering and also asks questions about our unconscious complicity in these structures.” While Buddhist teacher and clinical psychologist Jack Kornfield reminds us “forgiveness is, in particular, the capacity to let go, to release the suffering, the sorrows, the burdens, the pains, and the betrayals of the past and instead to choose this mystery of love.” He notes forgiveness doesn’t condone harmful actions and behavior, “it can stand up for justice and say, ‘no more.’ ” As the theology of love calls to us during these catalytic and prophetic times, let us explore in song, thought, and ritual a broader mercy.

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