(301-305) Works of Love VII Mercifulness, a Work of Love
Mercifulness is able to do nothing
For those of us who can do nothing
We can remember to be merciful
All of us who feel life's mourning
And for mercy we are grateful
Mercifulness is a consolation
When this work of love we apply
It takes us beyond our desolation
Its power we cannot ourselves deny
Who can show the greatest mercy?
Is that the wealthy to the poor?
Or done better by those deep in worry?
Those with nothing can do more
In the aspect of divine eternity
Lots of giving lacks real virtue
Mercifulness is a divine reality
It's only mercy when it is true
The question is not how much is given
Not how much but in the simple how
When by our love we are deeply driven
With significance our mercy is endowed
The eternal understands but mercifulness
All other giving is too material
Mercy comes but only in gracefulness
The eternal quality that is spiritual
We are amazed by externalities
But understanding comes in inwardness
Love is not amazement in those banalities
But by mercy in all its sacredness