(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.
