January 23, 2025

Bishop of Washington's Homily

Photo: Washington National Cathedral, via Facebook

Aloha,

 

I have been asked about the homily of the Bishop of Washington, the Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, delivered on Tuesday, January 22, 2025, during A Service of Prayer for the Nation at Washington National Cathedral. 

 

Bishop Budde’s words were faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a clarion call to live into the hope of the beloved community. She had a unique opportunity to fulfill her ordination promise to “be merciful to all, show compassion to the poor and strangers, and defend those who have no helper” (see the Book of Common Prayer, page 518, “The Ordination of a Bishop”).

 

I hope all Episcopalians in the Diocese of Hawaiʻi will read the full text of her homily (and not just listen to a sound bite): A Service of Prayer for the Nation Homily Text by Bishop Mariann, Jan 22, 2025. Please share it broadly with friends and family members. I hope it will be reproduced on the websites of congregations. I hope it will be discussed and engaged.

 

Her words shared the teaching of the Episcopal Church and of the message of the Gospel. 

 

After you carefully read the text of the homily, I urge you to read again the “Sermon on the Mount” and the “Judgement of the Nations” in the Gospel of Matthew:

 

 

As we consider the days ahead, we must be resolute in our call as Disciples of Jesus Christ to be living examples of mercy and compassion, justice and righteousness, faith and hope. 

 

I leave you with the three verses of Scripture that I hope guide my life:

 

  • “Happy are people who show mercy, because they will receive mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)
  • “Know this, my dear brothers and sisters: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to grow angry. This is because an angry person doesn’t produce God’s righteousness.” (James 1:19-20)
  • “He has told you, human one, what is good and what the Lord requires from you: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

 

Please pray for Bishop Budde as she faces a backlash from some corners. As your Bishop, please know that I stand with her and support what she said in her homily as a faithful witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray all Disciples will have such courage. 

 

Again, please read and share her homily, reread the lessons of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew, and ruminate and pray about your faithful discipleship in these times. 

 

Please know that you are in my prayers. Please pray for me.

Your servant in Christ Jesus,

+Bob


The Right Reverend Robert L. Fitzpatrick

Bishop Diocesan 

The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i

The Episcopal Church in the Hawaiian Islands, Guam and Saipan

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The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i
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