WOV# 601, "Kyrie"
Devotion
Kyrie eleison. (Lord, have mercy.)
Christe eleison. (Christ, have mercy.)
Kyrie eleison. (Lord, have mercy.)
We were with Doris for only a few minutes before we realized her favorite exclamation was “Lord, have mercy!” She saw a scrawny cat, and announced “Lord, have mercy!” She smelled a beautiful flower, and proclaimed, “Lord, have mercy!” She discovered her incredible domino hand and shouted “Lord, have mercy!” She exchanged harsh words with someone, then stopped and prayed “Lord, have mercy!”
Only in church had we heard “Lord, have mercy” repeated so many times. We thought her exclamations were rather odd. Many years later we realized they weren’t odd at all, but were profoundly wise. Doris could see what we couldn’t – that the world and we are in genuine need of God’s blanket of mercy, God’s compassion and unearned love. When Doris could see the great need for mercy, she could also experience the depth of God’s love.
Prayer
O God, in Jesus you really do show us mercy. Whatever joys and challenges this day’s journey holds for us, Lord, have mercy! Amen.