[stephenkhoo]

This mercy is to be given to all the poor.  Who are they?  They are the materially poor who need material and financial help.  They are those who are oppressed and suffering because of human trafficking, war and social injustice.   Then there are the spiritually poor, who have no hope and purpose in life.  Some are rich and successful but live empty and meaningless lives.   Many are living in sin, crippled by their past and guilt.   Some are under the bondage of the Evil One and not able to overcome their obsessions, their fears, anxieties, anger, envy, greed, lust, pride and laziness. Besides the spiritually impoverished people, there are those who are going through emotional struggles because of bereavement, loneliness, failure in relationships, divorce, infidelity, rejection, betrayal, etc.  Indeed, they are wounded, insecure, unable to let go of the past, especially those who have hurt them.  They continue to lick their wounds and live in their misery.  Finally, there are those who are physically poor because of poor health, incapacity, elderly ailments, rare diseases and terminal illnesses.  They live in loneliness, suffering, shame and in pain.  They feel helpless, hopeless and useless, so much so that being alive every day is cross.

 We can only be healed by unconditional love, forgiveness and mercy in a judgmental and meritocratic world.  That is what the world is seeking today: forgiveness, understanding and compassion.  But then this world is not like that.  It is a harsh world.  It does not allow failure.  It does not believe in forgiveness, but only revenge.  It is a meritocratic world.  If you are sick, useless, incapacitated or paralyzed, the world does not believe that you have a reason to live.