"with malice toward none, with charity for all"

This Good Friday I am reflecting on this quote from Lincoln's second inagural address. I was reminded of it in an opinion piece, "The President Who Died for Us" in today's New York Times. It was written by a guy named Richard Wrightman Fox and explores comparisons drawn between our 16th president, shortly after his death in the 19th century and Jesus Christ. Many may not recall, that Lincoln was shot and killed on Good Friday.

Regardless of your thoughts on the Jesus analogy, though I urge you to read the piece and decide for yourself, Lincoln was a man who despite humble beginnings rose to prominence and held this country together despite all odds, when to many all seemed lost. And he did this "with malice toward none, with charity for all". What a lovely thought. So simple. So elegant. So necessary today no more and no less than any other day or an other time. Perhaps as we think about our place in the world--with regards to the immigrants who labor for us, with regards to the other countries with which we interact--we, now such a strong country, one which grew from humble roots, can remember those words and take them to heart and be just a little bit better.