Having the humility to creatively listen to those with whom we disagree, or even whose views we condemn as hateful, does not mean that we surrender the Gospel and its call to root out evil where we find it. What it does mean is exploring the fears that others have in order to build an understanding of trust. Clearly, although, there are people who are beyond the pale. The question then becomes how we can respond to them.
It is not easy, to be sure; in fact, it’s really difficult. Sometimes chipping away at the edges opens a crack into the wall of hate. But what do we do when it doesn’t? Then, at that point, we must call out hate for what it is. And we must urge haters to repent of their evil responses to the world around them. Not easy, but necessary.
We’re told that patience is a virtue, but it is so difficult to have patience when we see how easy it is for people to respond in fear. Building trust even among people who share our values is not easy because of the way fear works. It can also eat away at the edges of our resolve to stand strong. Lent is a time to come together in such resolve.
Prayer for the Day
We confess, O God that we want to shrink from facing evil,
Especially when the voices are those of people we know;
We would rather the fomenters of fear be distant from us,
Even though they are often those among us.
Give us the patience and the strength to take on evildoers,
And to build a community standing fast against incursions.
In the name of the One who lived beyond fear,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Obstacles are like wild animals. They are cowards but they will bluff you if they can. If they see you are afraid of them, they will spring on you; but if you look them squarely in the eye, they will slink out of sight.
- Orson Swett Marsden, American author (1848-1924)
Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more so we may fear less.
- Marie Curie, scientist (1867-1934)
Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.
They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream.
It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green;
In the year of drought it is not anxious, and does not cease to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17: 7-8