Today is Shakespeare’s birthday so I would like to read his description of mercy from The Merchant of Venice. In the play, the words are intended for Shylock, the Jew, but they more aptly apply to the Christians who were anything but merciful to Shylock: may we resist the temptation to demonize others, no matter who they are or what they profess.
(Act IV, scene 1)
The quality of mercy is not strained.
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.
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest. It becomes
The thronèd monarch better than his crown…
But mercy is above this sceptered sway.
It is enthronèd in the hearts of kings.
It is an attribute to God himself.
And earthly power doth then show likest God’s
When mercy seasons justice.
Merciful and gracious God, the major world religions attribute mercy to You. Your mercy is a strength rather than a weakness. Even when we must administer strict law, may we proceed from a heart of mercy and compassion, with deep respect for the dignity and reality of the other. May we always season our justice with some sprinkles of mercy-for we know that we too are in need of Your mercy.─AMEN.