Our Need for Mercy
Life's struggles—facing your shadow self, enduring rejection, navigating daily humiliations—can open pathways to deeper awareness and the flowering of the soul. These experiences confront us with our own contradictions and our inherent imperfections. Embracing this reality, setting healthy boundaries, and forgiving ourselves and others allows us to grow in mercy and compassion. By accepting our need for mercy, we become conduits for the same mercy towards others.
Divine love serves as the model for all human love, teaching us that human relationships are vital for any transcendent encounter. Letting God see and accept us in our imperfection enables us to extend the same acceptance to ourselves and others. This radical grace is transformative, validating us at our deepest levels and allowing us to truly experience and share divine love.
Allow yourself to be seen in your imperfection by God and at least one other person. This acceptance can be a profound relief and joy, validating and transforming us in ways we deeply desire and were created for. Embrace what God sees in you now, without waiting for a moment of perceived worthiness. Love what God sees in you.
(inspired by: John of the Cross, Spiritual Canticle; Richard Rohr: Essential Teachings on Love)