Mercy
I would like to thank the Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, who, in participating in the post-Inauguration Day interfaith ceremony at Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday, was perhaps the most eloquent speaker of the week.
“In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now,” said Budde, looking directly at President Donald Trump. “There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families. Some who fear for their lives.”
Mercy.
Extending compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.
Something Jesus would do.
Trump demanded an apology.
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From the Reverend Blayney Colmore
Bishop Budde, like prophets before her, is a tiny light in the vast darkness. As John’s gospel puts it, the darkness doesn’t understand the light. But the darkness can’t extinguish it. Where she gets her courage from, not to mention her eloquence, is a mystery to me. I spent 30+ years preaching, and I doubt I would have had the courage to speak like that on that occasion. I was on the staff of St. John’s Church, Lafayette Square, across the park from the White House. It was where Bishop Buddy first confronted Trump when he stood in front of the church and held up a Bible to claim divine approval for his evil ways. She told him he was trespassing and not welcome. When I was at that parish, we talked a lot about being hospitable to President Nixon while he was doing an earlier version of what this despicable man is doing. I hope she is leading the way for others.