Most times, our understanding of God’s mercy is underrated. We tend to focus more on forgiveness of sin, but the truth is that the mercy of God goes far beyond that. Yes, when God gives us another chance after we have sinned, He is saying, “Go and sin no more.” This is evident in the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1–11). The Lord forgave her and instructed her not to sin again. Also, in John 5:5–9, 14, a man who had been sick for thirty-eight years was healed by the Lord. Jesus forgave his sins and warned him not to sin again, lest something worse happen to him.
The Lord showed him mercy because He saw his helpless condition—he had no one to assist him. His situation attracted the mercy of God. In the case of the blind man of Jericho (Mark 10:46–52), we read: “They came to Jericho, and as Jesus was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth passing by, he began to cry out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many people scolded him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the louder, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’ So they called the blind man, saying, ‘Take heart, get up, He is calling you.’”
In this passage, we see how blind Bartimaeus’s cry for mercy drew Jesus’s attention to his situation. His condition— blindness—attracted divine compassion, and instantly, he received his miracle. Jesus is still in the business of doing good—performing miracles and transforming every unfavourable situation in our lives. However, many times we pray for irrelevant things, or in the wrong direction. This is often why our prayers do not yield results. The fact remains that God always answers prayers, but He does so in His own time and way. Imagine if Bartimaeus had cried, “Jesus, can you see how I’m suffering?” or “Jesus, why am I blind? Life is unfair!” or even “Jesus, destroy all my enemies who caused this blindness.”
Those would have been prayers said amiss—not focused on mercy or faith. Bartimaeus’s prayer stood out because it was simple, faithfilled, and persistent. Many others in that crowd may have needed Jesus’s attention—perhaps the sick, the poor, or those with hidden burdens—but it was Bartimaeus who received a miracle. Why? Because he called out with faith, perseverance, and humility. He did not give up when people tried to silence him; instead, he cried out even louder. This teaches us about persistent prayer as emphasised in Luke 18:7–8. How often do we give up when our prayers seem unanswered for days, months, or even years? Some people even turn to negative alternatives, which only worsen their situation and lead to greater problems.
The truth remains that God has shown mercy from the beginning of creation. By sending Jesus to die for us on the Cross of Calvary—to save and redeem us from sin—God revealed the depth of His mercy. When our first parents, Adam and Eve, sinned in the Garden of Eden, despite all the love God had shown them, He did not destroy humanity or create another Adam. Instead, in His infinite mercy and goodness, He gave mankind another chance and waited for the right time to send His only begotten Son, Jesus, to save the world (John 3:16). Mercy, therefore, has existed from the very beginning.
Another form of mercy is that which we receive when our sins are forgiven. In Luke 22:32, 34, 60–62, Peter denied Jesus three times, but after realising his sin, he wept bitterly, repented, and was forgiven. That act of repentance allowed mercy to locate him, and he was restored and chosen to lead the Church. Similarly, the repentant thief crucified beside Jesus (Luke 23:39–43) recognised his guilt and pleaded humbly for mercy.
His sincere words attracted Jesus’s compassion, and he received the promise of paradise that very day. This teaches us that divine mercy is obtained when we acknowledge our sins, repent sincerely, and resolve not to return to them. God’s mercy is not for those who deliberately sin, thinking they can simply confess later. While confession is important, what matters most is our resolve—our determination never to return to sin, for God cannot be deceived.
Therefore, we are encouraged to always ask for mercy—especially when faced with difficulties or discomfort. We should seek forgiveness for both known and unknown sins, including those committed by our ancestors whose consequences may affect us (cf. Exodus 20:5). Yet, through prayer and repentance, we can break free, as God Himself promises in Ezekiel 18. Whichever form of mercy we seek, we must be confident that God answers prayers. He will make His answers manifest at the appointed time—planned to favour us and bring Him glory.
Our part is to persevere in faith, trusting that only God knows what is best for us. We may not always receive what we want, but He always provides what we need. In conclusion, let us learn from Bartimaeus. When we pray, let us say, “Jesus, look upon me with mercy.” That simple plea invites God into our situation and allows Him to act in the way that is best for us. Finally, the very fact that we are still alive—breathing, working, and moving about—is enough reason to thank God. It is by His mercy and compassion that we live, receiving grace upon grace each day. Let us learn to count our blessings and continually appreciate God’s goodness and mercy. Shalom.
Ways to attract mercy in times of need
1. Living a holy life
2. Going to confession regularly
3. Frequent reception of the Sacraments
4. Spending quality time with God daily to build a closer relationship with Him
5. Avoiding occasions of sin
6. Making a firm decision to follow God always— whether in good or bad times
7. Praying with faith
Prayer
O God of compassion and mercy, forgive me all my sins and look upon me with mercy. Help me in every area of my life. Grant me the grace to walk with You always. I pray also for final perseverance and for the provision of my needs. All these I ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
• Chioma Nwodo writes from the Catholic Church of Visitation, Festac Town, Lagos.
