Mercy and HW2...

I'm reflecting today on the power of mercy on our health, wellness and wholeness (HW2). Not just any mercy, however, rather that which is characterized by an empowered and unexpected outreach that fundamentally changes the life of another. The basis for these thoughts is the story of the "Good Samaritan" from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 10, verses 30-37.

Mercy has as one definition, according to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, as "a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion". Thus, there is a component of the ability of one to "suffer with" (the meaning of the word compassion) another that conveys a blessing on both. The Samaritan came along following a beating and treated a man who was not of his faith. All this happened after both a priest and a Levite (of the beaten man's faith) had passed him by. The Samaritan not only treated the beaten man, but left enough money to care for him for the duration of his recovery. Surely, this reflects divine favor as well as earthly means.

Mercy appears to be in short supply within our current worldview. How often do we pass by those of our faith because of some perceived issue with being in relationship with that person? Maybe they suffer with mental illness, maybe they are infected, maybe they are dirty, maybe they are begging, maybe they are all of the above. Mercy is daily in short supply. Mercy certainly has been relegated to a minority opinion in the debate over healthcare reform and the need for access to quality healthcare for all persons. Even though many hospitals have the name of mercy on their buildings and letterhead, mercy is relegated to a secondary position behind profit. The same can be said for many faith communities which purport to follow an unconditionally loving creator, yet who ignore social injustices in their neighborhoods, communities, country and world, and minister only to those of the same faith narrative.

A return to biblical mercy would radically change our ability to care for those less fortunate. It would free us from our dependence on cash flow and reconnect us with spiritual flow. We would once again see ourselves operating out of the mandate to "love neighbor as self" and to not allow those without means and access to struggle for their basic life needs. A return to mercy is what Possibilities Journey, Inc, is all about (see: www.possjrny.org). We seek to re-integrate the narrative of compassion and mercy into the daily practice of healthcare, by reuniting all faith communities in the delivery of healthcare.

So this holiday weekend, as we once again celebrate the founding of this nation, consider how we measure up against the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. Also consider how we might use this next year to reconnect faith and health into a sustaining whole.

May you all have a safe and blessed 4th of July celebration!
Dan