We thought because we live here in New Jersey and the Northeast that we were immune from hate filled rhetoric and threats. But evidently that’s not the case. Just yesterday the FBI issued a warning to New Jersey synagogues that there was a credible threat of broadside action against them. Connecticut has seen a 42% jump in anti-Semitic incidents, including a swastika painted in a Trumbull synagogue parking lot.
An extremist group, the Proud Boys, has announced its intention to break up a concert in Sussex County, and right-wing radio and television just keeps pumping up all kinds of hate-filled messages against anyone who doesn’t agree with their narrow view of the world, even to the point of saying the brutal attack on Paul Pelosi was not true.
As Christians we need to speak out against such hate, stemming from the fear that the world is changing, indeed, has changed. We are called to embrace those who may be different than us, and who may even hate us. We cannot remain silent in the face of hate that threatens to destroy our society and Nation.
Prayer for the Day
Trying to stoke fear into our hearts, the hate mongers come,
With messages that breed isolation and insularity;
Claiming to speak for you, they spin their slithering stories,
Hoping that people will believe their fear-filled lies.
Rouse us, O God, against their spewing and sputtering,
And bring us back into the center of your heart.
In the name of the One who gives us courage,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen
Thoughts for the Day
The dead hand of the past clutches us by way of living people who are too frightened to accept change.
- Kim Stanley Robinson, American novelist
Fear of difference is fear of life itself.
- Mary Parker Follett, American social worker (1868-1933)
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh –
My adversaries and foes – they shall stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear;
Though war rise up against me, yet will I be confident.
Psalm 27: 1-3