Is Acting With Mercy Offensive Now?



On Inauguration Day, President Trump attended the traditional worship service at the National Cathedral, where the sermon was delivered by the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, DC, the Right Rev. Mariann Budde.  

As part of her sermon, Budde drew directly from the Bible to offer the following plea to the President: 

“Let me make one final plea, Mr. President. Millions have put their trust in you and, as you told the nation yesterday, you have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now."

She went on to speak about some of these people, including immigrants and members of the LGBTQ community.  

The President did not take kindly to her words and took to his Truth Social platform later that night to personally attack her.  

I've seen a lot of similar attacks of Bishop Budde on my social media feeds coming from friends who I know identify as staunchly Christian.  This is dismaying for many reasons, but mostly because it feels like a direct assault on the Scripture itself.  

Not to mention that busting on someone who is merely making a plea to a leader to act mercifully ought not to be something worth pillorying that person publicly.  Scripture aside, that's just ridiculously calloused and mean.   

In a world often marked by division and prejudice, mercy is a potent force for healing and reconciliation. Mercy is an act of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness extended to those marginalized, ostracized, and scapegoated by society. 

In these moments of vulnerability, we have the opportunity to redefine what it means to be human, both for ourselves and others.

In his poignant book Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson implores us to understand that “Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.” 

This powerful affirmation calls us to recognize the inherent worth in all individuals, regardless of their past actions or societal labels. It invites us to extend mercy to those we might be tempted to judge too harshly, reminding us that everyone is capable of change and deserves compassion.

The call to act mercifully is echoed throughout the scriptures. For instance, in Matthew 7:1-2, we are reminded: 

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” 

This passage challenges us to abandon our predisposition toward judgment and encourages us to offer mercy instead. It is an invitation to cultivate a spirit of humility and grace, assuring us that when we choose mercy over judgment, we contribute to a more just and loving world.

Similarly, in Luke 6:36, Jesus urges us to “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” 

This exhortation is not just a call to action; it reflects our shared humanity and the divine characteristics we are encouraged to embody. When we act mercifully, we mirror the love and kindness God extends to all of us, especially those society may have cast aside.

In the Epistle of James 2:12-14, the author sums up the power of mercy this way: 

"12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment."

In Where Justice and Mercy Meet, Trudy D. Conway asserts, “Mercy is not only an act of charity; it is the very foundation of justice.” 

This profound insight highlights the interconnectedness of mercy and justice, emphasizing that true justice is rooted in compassion. When we engage with those who are marginalized, we not only uplift them but also challenge the systems that perpetuate inequality and ostracism. Mercy catalyzes social change, inspiring collective action to create a more equitable society.

As we navigate our daily lives, we may embrace mercy's transformative power. Remember that each small, compassionate act sends ripples throughout our communities. When we extend mercy to those who are vulnerable, we not only impact their lives but also illuminate the path toward a more inclusive and compassionate society.

As we move forward, let us commit ourselves to acting mercifully, looking beyond labels, and recognizing the inherent dignity in every person. Let us engage with the marginalized, listen to their stories, and advocate for justice on their behalf. 

Through our actions, we can sow seeds of mercy that flourish, bringing hope and healing where it is most needed. Together, let us embody the call to be merciful, transforming our world one compassionate act at a time.

May we all realize how God's mercy has fallen upon us despite what we've done or said in our lives.  And may we show that same mercy to others without prejudice.  

And may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all, now and forever. Amen.  

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