There was once an Emperor Henry who was laying siege to an entire city. For a long time he besieged this city, but the inhabitants still refused to surrender.

At last, in a voice strong enough for all to hear, the Emperor ordered his soldiers to take the city by force, and put to death all its people, young and old, without mercy.

When the people heard this proclamation they were seized with terror. In the time that remained before the soldiers would be upon them, the people held a council. They talked among themselves searching for some way to appease the Emperor’s wrath. At the advice of one of their leading citizens, the people devised a plan that would be their last hope.

The gates of the city were opened, and out walked children, very young children. The stream of little ones just kept growing, for all the small children in that city had been gathered and sent out.

This unusual procession made their way unharmed to the throne of the Emperor himself. He was taken off guard at such a sight, but that was the least of it.

Wasting no time, the children threw themselves on the ground before him. Striking their breasts with tiny fists, they cried out sorrowfully:

"Have pity on us, O Emperor! Have pity on us!"

This was more than Emperor Henry could resist. He burst into tears and pardoned all inhabitants of that city for the sake of the children.

Our world has given God much more grievous offense than that city gave the Emperor. But we who are not God’s enemies, and are defenseless against the evils around us, can appeal to the King of Kings for mercy. Like those children, we can save everyone, even those that have obstinately opposed God.

Let us pray for God’s Mercy, and for the conversion of everyone - so they will be saved not just in this life but most especially in the next. Almighty God, Who is infinitely good, will not fail to be moved by our cries to Him.