Let Mercy Lead

Eight years ago today, this country experienced one of the most horrific events in it’s history – the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon and the plane crash in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Today, many families are missing family members they lost in these attacks. Tears will be shed. Prayers will be prayed.

I, like most of the country, remember that day as if it were yesterday. The images that flickered on our television screens of the smoke and rubble were shocking and horrifying. But, through all the shock and sorrow of the scenes, what really struck me was not the people running from the scene, it was all of the people running TOWARD the scene. That was what brought a tear to my eye. In this time of extreme tragedy, people were coming together to help their fellow man. They put aside their fears for their own lives in order to help save others.

One such person was Father Mychal Judge, OFM, the chaplain of the NYFD. Father Mike was a Franciscan Friar who loved God and because of his love of God, let that love shine onto others. I recall seeing video of Father Mike near the site standing there with a concerned look on his face, his lips moving in prayer. Soon after, he went on into the lobby of the North Tower to offer help, prayers and to anoint the dead and injured. It was there, when the South Tower collapsed, that Father Mike was killed by flying debris. He died as he was praying, not for himself, but for others.

A very well known verse from the bible is where Jesus is quoted as saying, “Greater love has no one that this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). To put others before ourselves, that is what Father Mike and others did on that day. They lived as Christ instructed, to love one another and to take care of one another.

It seems that these days, there is so much hate in this world and so much divisiveness. People speak with venomous words whenever someone might happen to have a difference of opinion with them. They call names, glare, and admonish each other. It’s ridiculous.

The phrase “divide and conquer” comes to mind. I’m sure the devil is enjoying our divisiveness. We’re making it really easy for him to conquer.

So what can we do? How can we stop this? It’s simple. Let God’s love wash over you. Let Him use you as a mirror and reflect His love on others. God is love, not hate. Instead of our own agenda, we should let God's love and mercy lead us in our lives. God told us to love our enemies. Is it easy? No. But with God ALL things are possible.

We seem to be hung up on labels lately. Democrat/Republican. Black/White. Us/Them. There’s one label that we seem to forget. All of these people - regardless of race, political opinion or anything else – are Children of God. Shouldn’t we treat each other with respect, if not for just that reason?

"Let mercy lead, let love be the strength in your legs, and in every footprint that you leave, there'll be a drop of grace." ~ "Let Mercy Lead" by Rich Mullins (Brother's Keeper, 1995)