A steadfastly loving father will not rest until all his children are properly on their own, established, working well. The children of that father must go and learn his virtue. The virtue is recognizable in the most tough-minded person. Do not be deceived. Sacrifice has to do with depleting the wealth of the world.
Mercy has to do with creating it.
They come from a different intent and they have a different spirit. They are as different as night and day, as death and life, as greed and generosity, as darkness and light, as hatred and love. The summer is a good time to remember God s mercy. As much good happens in this world through constructive inaction as through action. The learning of mercy is difficult not just because human beings are thick-headed.