The Merciful Heart
We all have famous prayers and reflections from the tradition that we keep coming back to. For my part, I revisit Isaac of Nineveh's reflections upon the merciful heart:
What is a merciful heart? It is a heart on fire for the whole of creation, for humanity, for the birds, for the animals, for demons, and for every created thing. And at the recollection and sight of them, the eyes of a merciful person pour forth tears in abundance. By the strong and vehement mercy that grips such a person’s heart, and by such great compassion, the heart is humbled and one cannot bear to hear or to see any injury or slight sorrow in any in creation.
Isaac's description echos Jesus' own description of the heart of God and his call to emulate this love:
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.
"He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil." That line always haunts me.
Interesting prayer 🤔 Provocative due to the prayer for God’s mercy to redeem the demons. I do get it though - he created them…
Title: The Merciful Heart
Yvon Roustan ©
What is a merciful heart?
A flame that burns bright for all,
For humanity, for creatures, for demons' part,
In its gaze, tears of compassion fall.
Such passion within, fierce and true,
A binding force that humbles the core,
To witness suffering, the heart breaks in two,
Unable to bear agony anymore.
Isaac's vision mirrors the divine love,
A call to embrace all, even foes,
To offer kindness as the stars above,
Unconditional, as the river flows.
In the echoes of Jesus' words divine,
Resides the essence of mercy's art,
To love the unlovable, to let compassion shine,
And in this act, reflect the merciful heart.
*************^*****************
Explanation:
The poem delves into the profound concept of a merciful heart, drawing inspiration from Isaac of Nineveh's reflective insights. The opening stanza sets the tone by portraying a merciful heart as a fervent symbol of empathy and care that extends beyond human boundaries to encompass all living beings, even demons. The vivid imagery of tears flowing abundantly at the sight of creation's suffering underscores the deep emotional connection inherent in mercy.
The following stanza emphasizes the transformative power of mercy, highlighting how it softens the heart and instills a profound sense of humility. The notion of being unable to endure any form of distress or harm experienced by others showcases the all-encompassing nature of compassion. This emotional response serves as a testament to the strength and depth of a merciful heart.
Drawing parallels with Jesus' teachings on love and kindness, the third stanza weaves a connection between divine love and the human capacity to embody mercy. The call to love enemies and offer kindness without expecting reciprocation echoes the essence of true mercy, rooted in selflessness and boundless generosity. The mention of God's kindness towards the ungrateful and evil further emphasizes the inclusive nature of mercy.
The concluding stanza reflects on the haunting impact of the line "He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil," signaling a deep contemplation on the radical nature of mercy. This contemplative note invites readers to ponder the challenge and beauty of extending compassion even in the face of adversity, encapsulating the essence of the merciful heart as a beacon of light amidst darkness.