Living a Merciful Life

Salty tears rained down my face as I fell to the ground on my knees. It was late and I could hear my sister softly breathing as she slept on the opposite side of our room but I couldn't hold the emotion back any longer. I can't pinpoint at what moment I started to fall away from God but the gulf between us gradually grew to the point where I was hating myself and the life I was leading. But that night, God's words penetrated my heart, "The lost I shall seek, the strayed I will bring back." (Ezekiel 34:16)

Hearing today's readings, I can't help but think about that night and how God never gave up on me. God brought me back to His fold, filled with His grace and mercy. It is a mercy that I must now live.

On this feast of Christ the King, the Gospel speaks of the corporal works of mercy—feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, etc. (Matthew 25) Jesus does not mince words. These aren't suggestions. These are mandates, yet opportunities to love.

When our hearts are filled with God's love and when we've tasted the sweetness of His mercy, we can't help but want to extend that same love and mercy to those around us. I'm the first to admit that it is not always the easiest thing to do, but loving God through our actions is a hallmark of life as a Catholic.

Our call is first to the people closest to us in life. It’s that day-to-day living that puts me to the test. But our call goes beyond there. It includes our friends, neighbors, and people in our school, work and community.

Finally, God challenges us to step out of our comfort zone and reach beyond people we know or people in our immediate circles of life. He calls us to minister to all His children—the poor, the refugee, the marginalized, the alienated, and those in desperate need of God’s love.

God brought me back to His fold, filled with His grace and mercy. // @bobbi_rolClick to tweet

How we are to serve depends on our vocation and situation in life, but be open to the Spirit. Let Him show you how you can serve the King and further His kingdom. How will you help God’s lowly ones today?

Bobbi Rol is a wife, mama and blogger living on the Monterey Bay in CA with her husband, teen daughter, and three rambunctious boys. When she is not dodging light sabers or stepping on Legos, she can be found outside with her family, catching a late night movie, or decorating her planner. You can find out more about her here.