To Err is Human, To Forgive Divine

To Err is Human, to Forgive Divine.
(personal reflection)

In the spirit of asking for forgiveness during Hari Raya, I pondered over one of the best lines from Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice". Portia speaks to the bitter Shylock about showing a little compassion.

The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown;
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice.
(Act 4 Sci - The Merchant of Venice)

We are only humans...and very often, when we are hurt so badly by others, the first thought is to hurt back, and we often lash out in blind fury. If we have been wronged, it is difficult to forgive...and the justice we seek is like that of 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.' It is tit-for-tat reaction.

Mercy is such a compelling word; embracing the image of empathy, compassion, kindness, understanding and love. Is Man capable of such mercy? Like in the quote, " It is an attribute to God himself"...

When we are hurt, we bleed...we feel not only the physical, but emotional and mental pain...it can be agonising too. And just like the wounded beasts, we more than often in turn, hurt those who try to help us too.

Mercy...mercy...mercy...that is a blessing from heaven...We need to learn to forgive, and also forgive ourselves...It helps us to move on.

Prayer for today:
God...I pray for mercy and forgiveness. I am flawed , and full of shortcomings. And even more, teach me also to forgive, and forget...Ameen