Misericordiam

The other day, I was reminded of the versicle and response from the "prayers at the foot of the altar," said by the priest and his attendants at the beginning of Mass in the classical Roman rite:

"Ostende nobis, Domine, misericordiam tuam... Et salutare tuum da nobis."

"Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy... And grant us Thy salvation."

The word "misericordiam" has no exact English equivalent, and is translated variously as "mercy and love," "loving kindness," among others. It is a mercy which, while tempered by the severity of final judgement on the Last Day, is without end. At the final moment of life, the soul may cry out "my Jesus, mercy," and be received into His loving arms. That this final plea occurs unknown to those around the dying, does not diminish its power. It is not within the realm of human assurance that we can count on being redeemed at the final moment in this way. And so we have recourse to the Sacraments. And yet, as Thomas Aquinas wrote: "Deus non aligatur sacramentii." ("God is not bound by the sacraments.") Those seven outward signs instituted by Christ to give grace are our sure means of salvation. But God Himself is not limited to them.

For the past several months, Sal has been part of a team of home health care givers taking care of a man who was dying of a brain tumor. Following a distinguished career in military intelligence, this officer met his final battle. But he did so as an avowed athiest. He was cared for at home by his wife, who was also a physician, and who was assisted by a team of caregivers, including my dear friend, who would stay at his side during her appointed watch, praying the rosary, and whispering in his ear, inviting him to receive the Lord in his heart.

The man died yesterday afternoon, with his devoted wife and children at his side. One might imagine a choir of angels there as well, ready to escort him to the Holy City. But we will never know, as every man who crosses that bridge, whatever his station in life, does so alone.

"All is well, safely rest. God is nigh."