Thought for the week: The wideness of God's mercy

Some members who had arrived early were discussing the upcoming local election. One member ventured the opinion that when studying the manifesto of a certain party (for which he had no intention of voting for!), he was amazed at the wisdom of some of their policies,.

Another member, not into politics, quipped: "It is almost impossible to put together a philosophy of life statement which is deficient at every point". His contribution was the most insightful statement of the evening.

His assertion cannot by gainsaid. We can all set alongside that statement of personal truth; by which it is impossible to find a philosophy of life deficient. It is almost impossible to find a human being corrupt in every aspect of character.

Nero was one of Rome' most notorious rulers. His life was marked by cruelty and violence, yet historians report that his grave never lacked floral adornment. Some one, somewhere deemed Nero worthy of respect. Truly, none go over the rapids, unwarned, unwept!

Our Lord told a story about a rebellious son and we call him the prodigal. That Biblical story tells us about a magnanimous father. Truly as a Father pities His children so the Lord pities all who fear Him.

A line from a Victorain hymn is apposite here; "None too vile or loathe-some for a Saviour's grace". There is wideness in God's mercy like the wideness of the sea and let us imitate our heavenly Father and show loving kindness and eschew judgementalism in all dealings.

Renowned English poet Rudyard Kipling has a poem about such a truth - "If I was damned of body and soul, I know where prayers would make me whole - Mother o Mine!" Old Testament prophet Isaiiah has the last word with his moving thought: "As mother comforts her child so I will comfort you".