LBW 425, “O God of Mercy, God of Light”
Devotion
“'Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?' He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.'” (Luke 10:36-37)
The hymn “O God of Mercy, God of Light,” is based upon Jesus’ response to the lawyer who had put him to the test. The lyrics call the believer to care for others and to bear their burdens.
Today we commemorate Clara Maas, a 25-year-old nurse who treated soldiers infected with yellow fever during the Spanish-American War. She subsequently volunteered for a human study on the transmission of this deadly disease, dying during the study. Her sacrifice has saved countless lives and has prevented much unimaginable suffering.
Prayer
Gracious God, open our eyes to the needs of our neighbors this day. Enable us to help them with their load and to honor you with our practice of mercy, for the sake of Christ, who has surely borne our grief and our sorrows. Amen.