Two Cups of Tea at Hope’s Café
Up early making muffins, out of the blue, the words practically sting my brain: “The quality of Mercy is not strained.” I am no literary scholar, am not well versed in Shakespeare. Yet the power of these classic words resonate in some powerful, inexplicable way.
You may recall the quote from a famous monologue by Portia in The Merchant of Venice, which emphasizes the power and virtue of mercy over strict justice. In Act 4, scene 1, during the trial scene Portia pleads for mercy on behalf of Antonio, who owes a debt to Shylock, the moneylender. Portia’s argument is justice demands strict adherence to the law yet mercy transcends justice. She calls mercy “twice blest,” as both giver and receiver benefit. Further, she suggests It is more befitting of a king to rule with mercy. Portia believes that when people behave mercifully tow,ards one another they are demonstrating a divine quality reflecting God’s own heart.
Her argument is quite cogent and worthy of consideration in these days of deportation, detention, destruction of lives and livelihoods, property and infrastructure and countries. Even Abraham Lincoln, who oversaw the Civil War in the United States, said “I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice, “ emphasizing the transformative power of mercy over rigid enforcement of rules.
Why these words landed in my head on this particular day escapes me. But I use them as another reminder that we can cultivate mercy in our lives daily, regardless of what is going on in the world. In fact, what is going on in the world makes such efforts critical to the survival and wellbeing of the world we inhabit.
The invitation is open to share two cups of tea anytime at Hope’s Café or anywhere you share companionship and conversation.
May we be bearers of hope, the “wait staff” at Hope’s Café, for each other and all those we encounter. Shalom, Kate
P. S. I am sending a bonus blog, a repeat of “Mercy Now,” previously published in September 19, 2025, as it is related.
Hope's Cafe 