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1 Samuel 24:18

Saul then said to David: "You are in the right rather than I;  you have treated me generously, while I have done you harm.

I cannot speak for you but most of us have probably had the feeling of revenge at one time or another.  Maybe we wished ill upon someone or, because of our jealousy or own insecurity, we wanted to knock down someone "off their perch."  Usually when this happens, bad things happen to everyone involved.  It's probably why soap operas and tv dramas are popular…they all have to do with some kind of envy, jealousy and revenge.  Such is the case with today's first reading.  Like yesterday's reading, we find Saul looking to kill David. However, Saul finds himself on the other end of the knife.  David had the chance to kill Saul, but took mercy on him and let him live.  David told Saul the old proverb says, 'From the wicked comes wickedness.'  It's like the saying, "two wrongs don't make a right."  David showed great mercy to Saul, knowing that Saul wanted to kill him.  The Lord blessed David for his choice.  Today, ask the Lord to show you the grace to let go of ill will on others, especially those who might be enemies, and instead show the love of God through your mercy. 

Matthew 9:27

As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, "Son of David, have pity on us!"

If you drive anywhere these days, you've probably encountered someone at a stoplight or intersection with a sign saying "hungry, anything helps."  What is even more disturbing is when you are pumping gas and a figure approaches asking for a handout.  Why do we feel uncomfortable in these situations?  Most probably lock doors, keep windows tight or just try not to look in that direction.  Are we afraid they are going to reach in and take what is ours?  Maybe.  Is it that we feel pity but can't do anything, so we look the other way?  Maybe.  Or is it that we can do something to help, but choose not to, but are too ashamed to look at them, so we look away?  Maybe.  There is no right or wrong answer, it just is what it is. 

Imagine what Jesus felt when he saw and heard the two blind men crying out for pity, for mercy.  Jesus was a man like us, but he was also divine.  He questioned the two before he healed them by asking, "do you believe I can do this?"  They answered affirmatively, and they were healed.  We read different scripture passages where Jesus was healing and crowds closed in on him.  People were climbing to get to Jesus.  They were hungry for healing and for spiritual food, spiritual nourishment.  Jesus didn't ignore them.  We shouldn't ignore those on the road either.  They are hungry, they are in need of assistance, but mostly in need of mercy.  Give mercy today by giving hope and a helping hand.