People turn everywhere, looking for gods and powers to help them. They create gods out of their imaginations. But here, God's real nature is revealed - God of mercy. Mercy is the name of God. It is through that mercy that we thrive. It is through that mercy that we remain on the true path. If mercy is the name of God, and the nature of God, and we are created in God's image, then our true nature is also mercy.

Jesus was warning the disciples of the consequences of following Him. They would face suffering just as He had suffered. They were innocent and were going into a world that would not welcome their message, so they needed to be wise in their actions and yet also generous of heart. They would experience division in their families as a result of following Jesus. Yet, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would accompany them and give them strength. The words they spoke would be given to them by the Holy Spirit.