What is a merciful woman like?  First of all, she is not like the morphine addict who slowly poisons herself, becoming completely unaware of the insidious and deadly effects of selfishness on the soul.

The merciful woman is one who is determined to help and support others in a kind and disinterested way.  Recognizing that her own nature is flawed, and loving God in others requires her to begin over and over again, she prays for perseverance.  Her loving heart is vigilant over the needs of others and on guard to protect those entrusted to her care as well as whomever God sends her way.  She generously goes about doing good to others wherever she sees a need, be it spiritual or material, emotional or practical.

Above all, she is a forgiving person and not only disarms by her merciful ways those who have offended her, but does so in a manner that her forgiveness leads the offender to reconsider.  The merciful woman knows that by nature it is easier for her to indulge her desires and plans rather than her duties which she at times looks at with anxiety and impatience.  She is able to be merciful because she is very aware of this natural tendency to prefer her own plans rather than be self-giving,  and thus she makes the effort to relinquish her plans and help those who have erred.  In particular, she is conscious that everything she does has repercussions, and no action is without its impact on those which whom she deals.

In particular, she is not afraid to use opportunities that arise to gently correct family members and friends when they need to be alerted to the dangers of the ways and ideas that are contrary to what is true and right.  Seek to understand others even when they seem to be unaccepting.   By being a friend can cause other to open their hearts so be prepared to help them.

Show mercy and kindness to those who are sad, dejected, ill, or lonely.  Comfort the grieving and the sorrowing.  Never act indifferently to a suffering person; rather spend time with those who need physical or spiritual consolation.  Never seek repayment or praise; that your are doing it for God in your neighbor is a rich enough reward.

We will only have mercy in our hearts when we offer mercy, when we forgive, our enemies from the example and with the help of Christ. Mercy is not simply a matter of giving alms to the poor, but also of being understanding of other people’s defects, overlooking them, helping them not only to cope with them but to love them despite whatever defects they may have. Mercy  suffers and rejoices with others.

Your love of God can be measured by the way you treat those who need help.  Follow Jesus’ example who was always motivated by mercy and always acted out of mercy.  Lead others to turn to Our Lord and His Blessed Mother for solace, peace, and mercy.