Why a short poem about mercy? The majority of my doctoral work focuses on shame and mercy. Specifically, how shame, perpetrated by religious denominations and ecclesiastical authorities, inflicts psychological and spiritual trauma. Then, it examines how mercy can transform that suffering into a renewed vocation. So, why a poem about mercy that seems so straight forward? Because the opposite is true…

The lectionary Gospel for October 13th tells a story of Jesus healing 10 people with leprosy. Luke says they cried out for “mercy.” Mercy assumes a power differential while compassion does not. The mature soul can forgive/save/heal, when young spirituality enforces the rules quickly and harshly.

Jesus said, “Be merciful, just as your father in heaven is merciful.” This poem is from Love, War, and Soul.