Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint; heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony. – Psalm 6:2

Today’s Scripture Reading (March 31, 2016): Psalm 6

Pope Francis recently released his book “The Name of God is Mercy.” In the book, Francis argues for the centrality of mercy in Jesus message and ministry. Mercy is essential because we all struggle with doing what is right. As a race, we stand in continual need of the forgiveness and grace of God. But maybe even more importantly, as people we are wounded and hurting and we stand in need of the healing that only mercy can provide. It is mercy that is required if we are to find our way back to health. That has always been true, and always will be true.

In the book, Francis lays the groundwork for the path of the Roman Catholic Church to move into the future. On the fate of poor, the homeless and immigrants running from violence and tyranny, the church must have the unrelenting commitment of Christ in easing the pain of life. On more complex issues such as homosexuality and divorce, Francis proposes no changes in doctrine, but he invites the church to take a welcoming approach to all who are willing to come near. He calls the church to extend the mercy of God to the world.

David asks God for mercy. Many have thought that this Psalm was written because of some sort of failure in David’s life. We may not know the specifics of David’s failure, but the failure has caused physical pain inside of David. Now David stands in need of the grace of God so that he can move into his own future. David stands in need of a merciful God.

Dr. George DeHoff, in his commentary on this verse, includes this little story.

"David did not cry for justice; he cried for mercy. I once participated in a funeral with a splendid young minister who kept saying, "The deceased is in the hands of a just God." I suggested to him that if he ever had a part in preaching my funeral, I would appreciate it if he would say that, "I am in the hands of a merciful God." It is mercy and not justice that all of us need."

DeHoff is right. We do not need justice. We never have. We need mercy which will save us from the justice that we deserve. The church that makes a real and positive difference in this world in which we live is a church of mercy and not of justice. So it is to a God of mercy that both David and Pope Francis make their plea.

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Psalm 7