Eric Reece
The first time I heard country singer/songwriter Mary Gauthier’s song “Mercy Now,” I was astonished. You may not have heard of Gauthier, but many popular country music stars have recorded her songs. A recovered alcoholic, songwriting was part of her journey to get and stay sober.
Mercy Now, her 2005 album, reminds us that we all need a little mercy now. She said individuals, churches, our country all could use a little mercy. There is power in her closing words, “Yea, we all could use a little mercy now, I know we don’t deserve it but we need it anyhow. Every single one of us could use some mercy now.”
The word “mercy” comes from the Latin word which means “price paid.” The Apostle wrote to the Corinthians to remember they were bought with a price, a reminder of the precious blood of Christ shed for our sin. Mercy is when someone who has the power to punish us shows compassion and does not.
In the Bible, mercy is part of the nature of God. Mercy is a gift from God. It is connected to steadfast love and is like a mother’s love for her child.
God’s nature is to forgive and save. From the Hebrew prophets to Christ, mercy is offered to us and required of us. In the greatest example, God showed mercy to us with the sacrifice of the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ who died on the cross so we all have forgiveness of sin.
The prophet Hosea told us the importance of showing mercy rather than observing rituals, “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings” (6:6).
When the Pharisees criticized Jesus for eating with tax collectors and sinners, he reminded them of Hosea’s words, “Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:12-14).
Recently, mercy made the national headlines. It is a tradition to have a service of prayer for the nation when a new president begins the term of office. It is interfaith with representatives and prayers from Jewish, Islamic and Christian traditions. The service was led by the Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Washington who preached the sermon.
Budde’s sermon focused on three things she believed are vital for our nation’s unity. They are honoring the dignity of every human being, honesty and humility. She added a closing plea to the President asking him to please show mercy and compassion to the people who are sacred now. Her words were, “There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and Independent families, some who fear for their lives.”
She added concern for undocumented workers and said,.”I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President.” Her words were met with praise and criticism. Whether we agree or disagree with her plea, she spoke from her heart in the spirit of God.
There is a famous newspaper quote that the church has borrowed. Jesus challenges us to “comfort the afflicted, afflict the comfortable.” Bishop Budde’s sermon achieved this.
Today is not a day to offer sacrifices, but to show mercy as God has shown us mercy.
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church and can be reached via email, ereece@wnccumc.net.