Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle
Deacon Albert
St. John the Evangelist Cathedral
Mercy, not sacrifice… what does that mean? If Christ says that, how can we Catholics make such a big deal out of the “sacrifice” of the Mass? No meat on Fridays, fasting on Ash Wednesday, penances after confession, saints who whipped themselves – it kind of seems like sacrifice is all over the place. Is this really a good thing if we have Jesus saying, clear as day, “I desire Mercy, not sacrifice?” He’s quoting Hosea, who is speaking for God. God quoting himself, Old Testament and New, all agreeing on Mercy, not Sacrifice. So what gives?
The short answer? Mercy always includes sacrifice, but sacrifice does not always include Mercy. What is mercy? I’m sure many of you know this, but it seems like the whole world completely misunderstands the meaning of the word “mercy.” Mercy means that you have done something wrong, you’ve been judged for it and given a sentence and then – only after judgment and sentencing – the one who judged you decides to have mercy, to let you off without punishment or with a less severe punishment. That’s the catch, to get mercy, you have to admit you did something wrong and show that you are sorry for it.
In essence, when God or someone has mercy on someone, they have decided to sacrifice their right to punish them. From the other side – the guilty side – the best way to show sorrow and repentance is to sacrifice something. It is an offering of good-will, a sign that you are serious about admitting your error and repenting of it. St. Matthew did not respond to Jesus’ call, did not leave aside his wealth and position because Jesus told him “you’re okay, dishonest tax collecting isn’t all that bad.” No, Matthew was painfully aware of his sinfulness, he felt his burden. What moved him in Jesus’ words was the mysterious way that his voice sounded with compassion, the way his eyes offered him a promise of true freedom – freedom from guilt and sin. Matthew’s sacrifice was the result; the expression of his acceptance of God’s Mercy. Sacrifice is ugly if it is vain, self-centered, prideful. But, the Sacrifice of the Cross is our redemption. With the help of Grace, sacrifice is a beautiful way to ask for mercy, to demonstrate the mercy you have received, and to have mercy on others. It is true that God desires mercy and not sacrifice, but if you aren’t willing to sacrifice your pride and admit your sin, just what is there for God to have mercy on?