Now in Jerusalem with his followers, Jesus realizes that the forces of power will move against him. They are the same forces that move against us when we try to proclaim the kingdom of God for our time. They are the forces of narrow-minded thinking that says one cannot question the world and the way it is.
Often claiming to stand for so-called Christian values, they betray the very essence of Jesus’ call to establish a kingdom of justice and mercy. Fearful of losing power, such persons will appeal to fear of change. It is the equivalent of 30 pieces of silver.
As Jesus comes closer to the night when he will be taken into custody, the Gospel writers tell us he warned us of how those who follow his call to an open and just society will face persecution. Granted, in this age, we are not facing literal lions, but we do face the lions of hate. It is our task to take them on so we do not betray the One who came to give us a new vision of God.
Prayer for the Day
Humbled, Wellspring of being, by the totality of your Word,
We cry for your mercy and forgiveness;
Not wanting to be held account for the stewardship of our lives,
We tremble with difficulty when facing your judgment.
Chasten and transform us so that we may be healed,
So we may be witnesses of your love,
In the name of the One who expanded our vision of you,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
A church that doesn't provoke any crises, a gospel that doesn't unsettle, a word of God that doesn't get under anyone's skin, a word of God that doesn't touch the real sin of the society in which is being proclaimed – what gospel is that?
- Monseñor Oscar Romero, Martyr (1917-1980)
The first creature of God, in the works of the days, was the light of the sense; the last, was the light of reason; and his sabbath work ever since, is the illumination of his Spirit
- Francis Bacon, from On Truth (1561-1626)
Listen to me, you who know righteousness,
You people who have my teaching in your hearts;
Do not fear the reproach of others, and do not be dismayed when they revile you.
For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and a worm will eat them like wool;
But my deliverance will be forever, and my salvation to all generations.
Isaiah 51: 7-8