The Hero's Offer of Mercy

(this does contain spoilers regarding the new Wonder Woman movie)

I saw the new Wonder Woman movie. I seriously want to learn some of the stunts Gal Gadot or her stunt double does in the movie and though I never thought I would cosplay a super hero. I kind of want the armor, shield, sword and lasso. There was so much that I liked about the character of Diana Prince, her compassion for others, her sense of honor, and her humility in her wisdom. She was not a know-it-all nor did she put down her counterpart for his lack of wisdom. She constantly called those around her to step-up and be accounted for what is right.

Like all heros she has an epic battle scene, but before the battle begins she is offered a choice to help destroy mankind, which is pitiful and wicked OR offer mankind mercy and assist people by calling them to be better. Wonder Woman chooses to offer mankind mercy and demonstrates this choice by not killing the woman that invented poisonous gases intended to destroy many human lives.

Super Heros are not the only ones that point out that we should offer mercy to our enemies first. St. Joan of Arc offers to the English soldiers stationed in the city of Orleans an invitation of mercy...

”You Englishmen, who have no right in this Kingdom of France, the King of Heaven sends you word and warning, by me Jehanne the Maid, to abandon your forts and depart into your own country, or I will raise such a war-cry against you as shall be remembered forever. And this I write to you for the third and last time, nor shall I write further.” (Letter dated May 5, 1429)

The English ignored the invitation and replied with insults and mockery. Joan and the French soldiers attacked the English and drove them out of the city of Orleans.

William Shakespeare pens probably the greatest speech on mercy in The Merchant of Venice and gives it to his heroine Portia, who delivers it disguised as a lawyer in the famous trial scene where Mercy and Justice are being weighed.

“The quality of mercy is not strain'd;

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven

Upon the place beneath: it is twice bless'd;

It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:

'Tis mightiest in the mightiest, it becomes

The throned monarch better than his crown,

His sceptre 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 scepter'd sway,-

It is enthroned in the heart of kings,

It is an attribute to God himself;

And earthly power doth then show likest God's

When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,

Though justice be thy plea consider this-

That in the course of justice none of us

Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy;

And that same prayer doth teach us all to render

The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much

To mitigate the justice of thy plea;

Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice

Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant

there.”

The hero and the saint offer mercy because it is an extension of the mercy that has been given to ALL of us by God. God constantly gives us a second chance, offers us mercy and loves us in spite of us being despicable, wicked creatures.  It is up to each of us to choose to accept the invitation of God's mercy and love.  It is also up to each of us to offer mercy to others even though we might wish for strict, uncompromising justice.  I wish to be a Hero and accept the hand of mercy instead of being a prisoner in the Hall of Justice.