Misericordia
From Internet: Knowledge and Community
I think the true definition of misericordia is a little hard to define. MacIntyre uses the word “pity”, and warns that it has nothing to do with the superior and patronizing nature associated with the word. I believe I have experienced misericordia (most people probably have) but I remember glimpses of a feeling, a deep realization that everyone has one thing in common: we are all human. It is the ability to put oneself in another’s shoes. MacIntyre also seemed to have some difficulty defining all aspects of misericordia. He references Aquinas: “Misericordia is grief or sorrow over someone else’s distress... just insofar as one understands the other’s distress as one’s own.” It is the way we react to others with dire need. This is where pity relates, however like MacIntyre warns, pity carries many associations with the powerful helping the weak. Misericordia does not recognize class, race, or even relationship; everyone is equal. This virtue is perfectly fit for communities because it depends upon a sense of camaraderie among strangers.
