Mercy

Today is Mercy Sunday. The homilist today told this story about Napoleon, that I made a point of remembering, so I could tell you about it.

A mother begged Napoleon to have mercy on her son.  This was his second offense, so Napoleon said that he didn't deserve it.  Justice demanded the death penalty.

The mother said that she wasn't looking for justice.  She begged for mercy.

Napoleon said, "He doesn't deserve it."

That mother said, "It wouldn't be mercy if he deserved it."

I wondered if the son was spared.  This afternoon, I tried to find this story.  It was easier.  I found it in Preaching Today.

Napoleon had mercy on the son.