Day 10—Saturday, February 28

Matthew 9:35-36

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the Kingdom and healing every kind of disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Matthew 25:42-43, 45 - “For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me…Truly I say to you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”

“If, in reading the Gospels, we do not hear Jesus speaking to our contemporary situation, we are missing their meaning.” - Father Richard Rohr

As I write this, we are witnessing the national backlash to what has been happening in Minnesota. It’s another stark indicator and reminder that we are living in a fractured nation - a divide that has been widening for some time, so that now we are seeing new levels of violence and chaos that leave us shaken, wondering how this all ends. You may even have experienced it on a personal level; perhaps an awkward family Thanksgiving or Christmas celebration, lost friendships, or an increased feeling of anxiety or fear. We wonder, what is happening to our country? Might such violence and chaos come here?

Little discussed is that we are also divided theologically, which may be the most troubling and dangerous fracture of all. So it must be addressed. There are those who have allowed their version of Christianity to be shaped by their politics, ideology, world view, and prejudices, instead of having all of that shaped by our Biblical faith. For the Bible is very clear about its call “to act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) It is clear how we are to treat others, and that we are called to selflessness, servanthood, sacrifice, caring, kindness, and compassion. These are not cliches, but expectations, values and behaviors Christians are to live by. Perhaps they can be summed up with one word: Love. God is Love. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves, and also our enemies.

It is important that we embrace this call, act upon it, stand up for it, and demand that our leaders and their policies live up to it, as well. This has the power to bring positive change, to heal, and to unite. And it may be our only hope.

Dear God, How easy it is for us to interpret your word so that it says what we want it to say, rather than accept what you want us to be and do. We want to shape you in our image instead of trying to shape ourselves in yours. Forgive us, we pray, and lead us to lives that reflect your call, and your love. Amen.

 

-Eric Lawson