Mercy needs awareness. That may seem like an
obvious conclusion, but it is an important one. If I am not aware that you need food and a place to live, then I will not be moved to help you find those things. If I am not aware that you are suffering from guilt and rejection, I will not be able to help. If I am not aware that you are on the verge of despair, I will not reach out to bring you back from your darkness. Awareness is the necessary door through which mercy can enter.

Many of us have so much going on in our lives, that it is easy to miss what might be happening close by. It's amazing how often a husband or wife may not be fully aware of what their spouse needs from them. Of course, fathers and mothers can also quickly get out of touch with their children.

Jean Vanier relates this story. "A young university student came to see me. From the way she spoke about men I sensed a lot of pain in her.

I asked her to tell me about her relationship with her father. She glared at me: 'I hate him!' I wanted to know more. She told me that her father was a philosophy teacher in a Christian school and was greatly loved and respected. When he came home, however, he locked himself up in his room. 'He never eats with us,' she said. 'He never speaks to me. I hate him.' " (p. 140 Jean Vanier, Becoming Human).

Here was a Christian teacher who seemed to be very good at what he did. Yet when he was at home, he failed to see the one person who really needed him - his own daughter. We have to become aware of the needs of those with whom we live. Only then, will we be able to show mercy to others.

Peace, Fr. John