Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another,
that you may not be judged.
James 5:9
French author Leon Bloy wrote: "When all is said and done, the only great tragedy in life is to not become a saint." James reminds us in this fifth chapter, that we should pray in all circumstances. Being merciful, can mean not grumbling about unwashed dishes, an unkempt bathroom, an unmade bed. Being merciful does mean to ask the person, why the dishes were left, and why the bathroom was left a mess. Showing mercy means taking a little extra time to see why the person left in such a hurry, or was so distracted the chore was left undone.
Pope Francis said: Every day talk with your loved ones. He did not say to talk at them or to them but with the ones you love, and these days with instant messaging, it is fairly easy. Let us look for ways today to be kind and compassionate and merciful to those around us, and allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and see that our lives are lived more completely when they do not always center on ourselves.
