Aug 20, 2017

Follower of Jesus (32)

Blessed are the merciful,

For they will be shown mercy. (5)

Matt. 5:7

It is a very real challenge to always be merciful, no matter what we all piously claim. We like to think of ourselves as merciful, always forgiving, but too often there is a shadow lurking deep within us that whispers “except for so-and-so”. This becomes clear when we consider the impact of the wave of terrorism that seems to be sweeping the world. The events of the past weekend as I sit here writing is a good example. A large group of neo-Nazis gathered in Charlottesville Va. to march and parade and chant hateful messages, culminating in one of their members driving a car into counter-protestors killing one and injuring 19 others. The question that each of us must answer: how do I treat this person in my thoughts? The law will deal with him as it sees fit, but the bigger question is how do we, and more specifically, I myself, treat our (my) thoughts about this person.

We have a clear choice: we can voice and act out the anger we may feel inside about the viciousness and hatred displayed by this group and specifically this person, or we can see, as God does, the pain that must reside deep inside all of them that would cause them to act in such a closed manner to the joy of God that exists all around them.

We could, of course, choose to ignore the entire thing, since it will most likely have no or little impact on any of us personally. That is an option, and if we choose that option it says a lot about the state of where we are internally. This very public act of hatred, similar to the way ISIS acts, is the result of internal self-hatred that affects all of the moral fiber of this country where freedom for all is celebrated, at least on paper. Ignoring such a strong reaction to internal pain is ignoring a cancer that lives within the framework of our society, and is a warning of a weakness of that affects us all. It seems imperative, to me, that each of us must place this action in a framework that we can rationally understand and share with others that rationality, and that rationality should come from the intuitive feeling of love that is within us.

So how should we act? From all that we know of God, such action, stemming from some deep hostility towards others , is instantly forgiven by God as it is swamped by the love that God has for each of us. It truly can be said of him: “Forgive him Father, for he does not know what he is doing.” Jesus spoke similar words while dying on the cross, and we too, if we are to be a follower of Jesus, we must forgive these actions as signs of internal pain and shame.

That is, we are to be merciful.

There is mercy pure and simple. Now actions have consequences, and such a person who is a clear danger to others need be taken out of society and prevented from continuing to act out in a similar manner. Like the forgiving father in the parable of the prodigal son, forgiveness, or mercy, should be our first and primary response to any painful event.

We are to be merciful.

Seventy times seven times, as Jesus said.

“Forgive him Father, for he does not know what he is doing.”

More to follow.

Meditation

Oh my Comforter, I am in need of comfort to heal my weeping heart for the pain that is so clearly revealed in events of this past weekend, August 11 and 12^th, 2017. Anger and hatred spewed out among a few hundred angry mostly young men, revealing that inner pain that resides within. I ask for guidance and patience to be able to aid any of this that You bring into my world, and am grateful in advance knowing that the words and action will be given to me when that moment arises. I know that You will bring good out this environment, and bring faith, hope, and gratitude to bear on this as a moment of growth for all. I am grateful for Your guidance during this sad moment.