September 18th

“When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:” Matthew 5:1-2

when we think the poor
should be left alone because
they are guaranteed heaven,
have mercy.
when we think those trapped
in the quicksand of grief
can get out on their own,
have mercy.
when we think the humble
deserve the dirt thrown in their face
because they are weak,
have mercy.
when we think those who seek justice
for the forgotten and despised
are just a bunch of bleeding hearts,
have mercy.
when we think those who are generous
to anyone who stands on street corners
are suckers pure and simple,
have mercy.
when we think those who refuse
to trade their faith for hate and fear
are blind to the reality of the world,
have mercy.
when we think those who challenge
the politics of power and might
are doddering old fools,
have mercy.
when we think the wisest course
of action in life is to forsake you
and swear allegiance to evil,
have mercy on us, Lord,
have mercy.

© 2025 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman