Commencing with Mercy

(further adaptations from Saint Isaak's Homily 1)

Do you hope to commune with the God?

Do you hope to perceive supreme delight,

liberated from the senses?

If so, pursue mercy.

•

Whenever such a quality as mercy—the very likeness

of the very God—is found in you,

that holy beauty is further inscribed by Him.

The full measure of a life pursuing merciful deeds

directly brings the soul into deeper communion,

even unto unity with the one God’s triune splendor.

•

There is no other path to spiritual love, no other access

to the shaping agency of the invisible Image,

than this first step—showing mercy.