Between Righteousness and Mercy
President Donald Trump attended the traditional post-inauguration prayer service at Washington’s National Cathedral. Ending the sermon Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde made specific comments addressed to the President. What words were received with such great praise by many throughout the country and world, while the President, and other responded with disdain?
What words elicited Christians Nationalists to condemn the Bishop, a congressman to ask for the Bishop’s deportation, for some, in the House of Representatives, to send H.Res.59 to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, while others made death threats, and the President, himself, asked for an apology?
Bishop Budde addressed the President about mercy. “In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and Independent families, some who fear for their lives.”
Bishop Budde continued stating that while some immigrants might not “have proper documentation,” the “majority are not criminals.” Budde concluded, “I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities who fear their parents will be taken away. And that you help those who are fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands to find compassion and welcome here.”
Shakespeare wrote in the Merchant of Venice famous words of mercy.
“The quality of mercy is not strain’d.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed:
It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes.”
The evenness of mercy is one of inclusion for all and not of exclusion. As followers of Christ, we are called to live mercy in our lives and actions. May it be so.
Haiku Prayer: The Samaritan
The very least of brethren—
Go now in mercy.
Bonnie MacMaster Andersen