Aug 27, 2017

 

Follower of Jesus (33)

Blessed are the merciful,

For they will be shown mercy. (6)

Matt. 5:7

Intolerance: The Sin of America

            Intolerance has reared its’ ugly head from the foundation of the new world in the 15-16^th century, and it has not lost presence in the centuries since then. Over the centuries various laws were raised that banned Jews, Catholics, and various other denominations and backgrounds (“No Irish need apply”) from worshipping as they would like to worship, the burning of so-called witches, the genocide of the Native Americans, and more. Now we see the worst of the intolerance with the waving of the Nazis flag and speech, hateful speech against people of color, certain religions, and various expressions of gender. I do not need to dwell on this, as it has been reported on a daily basis of late. What we need to do is find some way for those who would follow Jesus and act merciful, yet not accept or appear to condone these immoral actions.

Looking at the actions of Jesus, we get a mixed message. Jesus forcibly removed those buying and selling and the money changers from the temple, taking direct action rather than just chastising them. Jesus told them bluntly that they were making his Father’s house a den of thieves when it should be a house of prayer. On the other hand, when he himself was taken prisoner, he went quietly, eventually uttering those words I have used so often, “Forgive them Father, for they do not know what they are doing.” while dying on the cross, the ultimate sign of forgiveness and compassion. Jesus also talked about turning the other cheek, letting the robbers take the cloak and offering them even more, and other actions that defies conventional thinking in letting those who commit crimes continue.

However, if we look at these various incidents listed above, we see a difference in what they portrayed. When Jesus chased those out of temple, it was because the perpetrators were injuring something outside of Jesus or the self; in the case mentioned it was the chilling of the atmosphere of a holy place. All the rest that I mentioned, and the new testament has many more examples, it was a personal incident and the response to that incident that was discussed by Jesus. What Jesus seemed to be stressing is the internal disposition of the person in both cases, and any confrontation is to be done with great love but with strength to get the point across, or ‘tough love’.

A perfect example is the need of an intervention, such as alcohol or drug addiction problem. This type of intervention requires the loving approach of the problem by not just one person but a group, so that the person being confronted can see the enormity of the problem, and hopefully recognize the situation and seek help.

Peaceful approaches to solving great moral issues are possible. Gandhi’s approach of passive resistance is a prime example, where thousands were led to massive sit-in strikes and marches, before the British government accepted the will of the people and gave the country back to the population. Another and much-more-closer to home example is the peaceful marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King in the 1960’s that led to the civil rights acts of that period and the removal of many of the signs of repression of people of color that was so common at that time, especially in the south. The more subtle repression that was (and still is) expressed in the north was little effected by the laws enacted at that time, except in the removal of covenants that prevented the “unwanted” from better quality neighborhoods and living space. That is, any new neighbor has to be voted in by the entire community, and those of color could easily be blocked from entering.

I believe that, to follow Jesus, we must actively promote effective changes in the way we treat one another, including modifying laws and generating new laws ensuring just and moral treatment in all areas of life, but we must do this in a way that is peaceful. Our mercy must be the mercy of God as given us by example.

Meditation

Oh God of mercy, I bow before you in gratitude for the inclusive mercy You have shown me over the years. Despite the many times I have come up short in my treatment of others and myself, Your patience, mercy, and love have overshadowed all to give me peace and comfort. I ask for comfort to our nation, and I bow in gratitude for all You have accomplished in the growth of humanity over the past 70,000 years. I place myself in Your hands to provide whatever I can do to help further Your will for our poor human race. Guide and keep us on the path where Your love will conquer all, and humanity will see the blossoming of Your kingdom here on earth.