O eternal Godhead,
how well mercy suits you!
How well it suits you
that your servants should arouse your mercy
against the judgement the world deserves
because of its sins!
Your mercy created us,
and the same mercy redeemed us from eternal death.
Your mercy rules over us
and holds back your justice,
keeping the earth from opening up to swallow us,
keeping the animals from devouring us.
In fact, all things serve us
and the earth gives us its fruits.
All this your mercy does.
Your mercy preserves us
and prolongs our life,
giving us time to return and be reconciled with you.
O compassionate merciful Father,
who keeps the angels from taking revenge
on this humanity which is your enemy?
Your mercy.
In mercy you grant us consolation to coax us to love,
for the human heart is attracted by love.
The same mercy gives and permits sufferings and hardships
so that we may learn to know ourselves
and acquire the little virtue of true humility –
and even to give yourself a reason
to reward those who fight bravely,
suffering with true patience.
In mercy you preserved the scars in your Son's body
so that he might with these scars
beg for mercy for us before your majesty.
In mercy you have seen fit today to show me,
poor as I am,
how we can in no way pass judgement
on other people's intentions.
Indeed, by sending people along an endless variety of paths,
you give me an example for myself,
and for this I thank you.
St Catherine of Siena
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