This week a cherished, prayerful friend and Episcopal colleague gave an Inauguration Week sermon at the Washington National Cathedral that made headlines.

Bishop Mariann Budde asked President Trump to put his feet into the shoes of LGBTQ Americans and law-abiding, but illegal U-S immigrants, and to lead with mercy.

These words fell on uncomfortable ears. Certainly it would have been easier to preach on the unlimited love of God or the grace of being an American.

But Bishop Budde, who had been planning her address for the last year regardless of who was president - saw her work as a serious endeavor that demanded serious words.

So she outlined three attributes of Christian leadership, honesty, humility, and dignity, then challenged the president, administration, and you and me.

This Sunday our Gospel tells us how Jesus began his ministry by speaking uncomfortable words to powerful people on behalf of the vulnerable.

It's an example to us who follow him.
How are we doing that?
How are we being called to do that?