The quality of mercy is not strained.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest:
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown.
His scepter shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings.
But mercy is above this sceptered sway;
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings;
It is an attribute of God himself;
And earthly power doth then show like God's
When mercy seasons justice.
---William Shakespeare
The gospel account of the woman caught in adultery is very touching when you stop to think of Christ's mercy. I think Msgr. has given this homily before and he always closes with this passage from The Merchant of Venice. I'm glad our God is a merciful one, especially during these trying 40 days of Lent.
That is beautiful! Have a great Monday!
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