We continue this week working our way through the Sermon on the Mount.
Matthew 5:38 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also;
Matthew 5:44 Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Quick note: this is not ‘Be a doormat and take people’s abuse.’ We are definitely called to “resist evil injustice and oppression whatever forms they present themselves.” (baptismal vows) Paul picks up the important nuance: Romans 12:21 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
I acknowledge a bit of wistful (nostalgic?) yearning for the days of the civil rights marches. I would love to have been of an age to participate more directly in a movement both to change laws and more importantly to change people’s hearts.
It is from Jesus' words (and his exposure to the practices of Mahatma Gandhi) that Martin Luther King, Jr. developed the practice of non-violence as a means of effective protest. Just as Jesus reinterpreted the biblical laws for his day, King put into practice their relevance for his own day. For King and others, Jesus' words were meant to be taken literally. Though not all Christians have responded in this way, a plan to retaliate evil with love was central to King's mission.
I pray for the people in Egypt that they may find freedom through nonviolent resistance. If they use the violent tactics of their oppressors it will just confirm those tactics. Only love builds ‘the beloved community.’ (Kings favorite phrase for what Jesus called the Kingdom of God.)
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
No Abuse Policy
Valentine’s Day is coming soon. How good are you at showing love?
Sometimes we pat ourselves on the back for not committing adultery, and yet create primary relationships with work, sports, or even the internet, rather than our spouse. Are we really morally superior to anyone else? Unless you’re better than former president Jimmy Carter you are in no place to judge others.
Matthew 5:27 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Jesus has a remarkable way of holding up a zero tolerance for anger, violence and betrayal while taking away our ability to sit in moralizing judgment of others. All are in need of the Grace of God. All are called to a life of perfection in love.
The challenge in this week’s worship is not to get lost in guilt and fear of punishment but to seek that “pathway of personal integrity which joins the inner and outer life. What we think about and our emotional lives shape how we act. Small things – like anger – are in a continuum with dangerous actions such as murder. Jesus is not denying our emotional life or personal attractions, or asking us to repress our feelings, but reminding us that we need to educate our emotions and thoughts – that what we feel and think has an impact on our overall well-being. Integrity involves the integration of the inner and outer life in ways that are life-giving for us and others. We can experience a healing of memories, emotions, and thoughts that enable us to move from alienation to reconciliation and learn to live by love and not fear.” (Bruce Epperly)
Sometimes we pat ourselves on the back for not committing adultery, and yet create primary relationships with work, sports, or even the internet, rather than our spouse. Are we really morally superior to anyone else? Unless you’re better than former president Jimmy Carter you are in no place to judge others.
Matthew 5:27 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Jesus has a remarkable way of holding up a zero tolerance for anger, violence and betrayal while taking away our ability to sit in moralizing judgment of others. All are in need of the Grace of God. All are called to a life of perfection in love.
The challenge in this week’s worship is not to get lost in guilt and fear of punishment but to seek that “pathway of personal integrity which joins the inner and outer life. What we think about and our emotional lives shape how we act. Small things – like anger – are in a continuum with dangerous actions such as murder. Jesus is not denying our emotional life or personal attractions, or asking us to repress our feelings, but reminding us that we need to educate our emotions and thoughts – that what we feel and think has an impact on our overall well-being. Integrity involves the integration of the inner and outer life in ways that are life-giving for us and others. We can experience a healing of memories, emotions, and thoughts that enable us to move from alienation to reconciliation and learn to live by love and not fear.” (Bruce Epperly)
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