In a time of deep division and uncertainty, the words of Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, resonate as a powerful call for compassion and humanity. On Wednesday, January 22, Bishop Budde addressed President Trump with a heartfelt plea for mercy, dignity, and kindness—reminding us of the shared humanity that connects us all.
It baffles me that her words, which draw so directly from the teachings of Jesus, were met with such controversy. The fact that the literal words of Christ are now attacked by those who claim to follow him shows how far some have strayed from his message.
Here are the words Bishop Budde shared, which stirred both fierce backlash and deep reflection:
“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. There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and Independent families, some who fear for their lives. The people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings; who labor in poultry farms and meat packing plants; who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals. They…may not be citizens or have the proper documentation. But the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors. They are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues, gurudwaras and temples. I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that 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. Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger, for we were all once strangers in this land. May God grant us the strength and courage to honor the dignity of every human being, to speak the truth to one another in love and walk humbly with each other and our God for the good of all people. Good of all people in this nation and the world. Amen.”
Why This Matters
What Bishop Budde articulated is not radical. It’s not partisan. It’s the essence of what Christianity—and humanity—should stand for: mercy, love, and justice. Her plea for compassion, especially toward the vulnerable, immigrants, LGBTQ+ youth, and those living in fear, aligns perfectly with the teachings of Jesus.
Her words reminded me of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–12), which have always struck me as a profound guide for how we might live with integrity and purpose. And yet, the controversy surrounding her speech shows how easily these values are twisted or dismissed by those who prioritize power over people.
Now more than ever, we need to return to the core truths of compassion and humility, principles that are universal and transcendent.
The Beatitudes Reimagined: Lessons for Modern Life
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 5:3)
- Original Insight: Humility is the recognition of our need for grace.
- Secular Wisdom: True freedom begins when we let go of ego and control. Humility allows us to grow and connect deeply with others.
- Buddhist Perspective: This mirrors non-attachment, a core teaching of Buddhism. By releasing the self-centered view, we discover interconnectedness and a sense of enlightenment.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)
- Original Insight: Mourning is met with divine comfort and healing.
- Secular Wisdom: Grief reminds us of our shared humanity. By facing it with courage, we develop deeper empathy and a greater appreciation for life’s fragility.
- Buddhist Perspective: This reflects impermanence (anicca). Accepting the transient nature of life transforms sorrow into gratitude for what we’ve experienced.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the Earth. (Matthew 5:5)
- Original Insight: Meekness is power under control, not weakness.
- Secular Wisdom: Gentleness fosters harmony. The truly strong are those who build bridges, not walls.
- Buddhist Perspective: Meekness aligns with the Middle Way, avoiding extremes of aggression or passivity. It promotes balance and nurtures peace.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Matthew 5:6)
- Original Insight: A sincere longing for justice will be satisfied.
- Secular Wisdom: Fulfillment comes when we align our actions with our values, seeking truth and fairness without anger or resentment.
- Buddhist Perspective: This mirrors the Noble Eightfold Path, specifically right action and intention. Ethical living creates inner peace and societal balance.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
- Original Insight: Mercy reflects God’s love and forgiveness.
- Secular Wisdom: Compassion breaks cycles of resentment and builds trust. Forgiving others is as much a gift to ourselves as to them.
- Buddhist Perspective: Practicing compassion (karuna) bridges the divide between self and others, reducing suffering for all.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Matthew 5:8)
- Original Insight: Purity of heart allows us to perceive God’s presence.
- Secular Wisdom: Living authentically and with clear intentions helps us see life’s deeper truths. It leads to a sense of awe and wonder.
- Buddhist Perspective: Mindfulness cultivates clarity, enabling us to experience sacredness in the present moment.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9)
- Original Insight: Peacemakers embody God’s reconciling love.
- Secular Wisdom: True strength lies in resolving conflict and fostering understanding. Peacemakers build the world we all need.
- Buddhist Perspective: Skillful means (upaya) and compassion guide the effort to bring harmony to fractured relationships.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 5:10)
- Original Insight: Suffering for righteousness affirms our commitment to God’s justice.
- Secular Wisdom: Standing firm in your values is costly, but it affirms your integrity. True peace comes from knowing you acted rightly.
- Buddhist Perspective: This reflects equanimity. Facing adversity with courage demonstrates spiritual maturity and a commitment to the greater good.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. (Matthew 5:11)
- Original Insight: Faithfulness in the face of insult reflects alignment with divine truth.
- Secular Wisdom: Criticism and misunderstanding are inevitable when challenging the status quo. Let your purpose sustain you through trials.
- Buddhist Perspective: Patience (kshanti) turns hardship into an opportunity for growth, fostering resilience and wisdom.
A Call to Action
Think about the Beatitudes not as religious tenets but as universal principles. How can you:
- Embrace humility in your interactions?
- Show mercy and forgiveness to those who might not deserve it?
- Stand firm in your values, even when it’s uncomfortable?
Let’s start there. Together, we can create a little more peace and understanding in a noisy world.
Closing Reflection
Bishop Budde’s words and the Beatitudes remind us that compassion is not optional—it’s essential. Whether or not you share my spiritual or philosophical perspective, I hope you’ll see these values as universal. Let’s honor the dignity of every human being, speak truth in love, and walk humbly toward a better world.
What can you do today to show mercy, stand for justice, or create peace? Share your thoughts below. Let’s start a conversation that builds bridges, not walls.
