Sirach 44:1, 10-15
Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers in their generations.
But these were men of mercy, whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten; their prosperity will remain with their descendants, and their inheritance to their children’s children.
Their descendants stand by the covenants; their children also, for their sake.
Their posterity will continue for ever, and their glory will not be blotted out.
Their bodies were buried in peace, and their name lives to all generations.
Peoples will declare their wisdom, and the congregation proclaims their praise.

Homily:

What is mercy?

Compassion, forgiveness, empathy.

Of these 3, forgiveness is most required in your dealings with people. For they will knowingly and unknowingly, hurt you, swirling up a rage in you, to return the hurt in the strongest ways possible.

In hindsight, “an eye for an eye truly leaves everyone blind”. No one comes out better in an unforgiving relationship.

Our actions and reactions define us. If we react or mirror only that which is in front of us, then we let go of the beauty within.

Forgiveness is not a reaction. It is an action. A breaking of a spiral. A choice to continue on your path. A difficult choice, because it takes self control and benevolence.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” – Matthew 5:7