Forgiving, but not Forgetting
AM Psalm 26, 28 • PM Psalm 36, 39
Isa. 44:9-20 • Eph. 4:17-32 • Mark 3:19b-35
I am writing this on January 6, 2021. This morning my only concern was the rapid spread of Covid and the slow administration of the vaccine. I was frustrated. Now, I struggle to make sense of the horror that I am seeing transpire in Washington. On the TV coverage I see so much hate, anger, misdirection and lying.
Our President appears to encourage insurrection. There appear to be a number of Judas-like members Congress. I grew up in the DC area and have spent considerable time at the Capitol. I am shocked, angered and saddened that a mob sacked my citadel of democracy. It is a very dark day. What am I to do? How can America recover for this abomination?
Then, I sit down to write my January 19 reflection. From these readings, I realize that there is hope. There is light coming. Love, pride, forgiveness and responsibility will return, if we simply follow and encourage the teachings of our faith. The readings reinforce my hope. I am looking forward to January 20th and a new beginning.
Psalm 26 is a prayer to walk with integrity, in the Lord’s loving kindness and truth to be redeemed. That gives me personal direction.
Psalm 39 is a prayer for release from transgressions and a vision of how to move forward. I will take this to heart.
Paul (Ephesians 4:17-32) exhorts the church in Ephesus to remember its “calling,” to live in response to God's summons. He tells them and us - We forgive because we have been forgiven. God forgave us in Christ. His plan to save the world was to send his Son to live on the earth, but then die for the sins of the world. Whoever believes in him has been forgiven and is able to forgive others.
Mark (Mark 3:19b-35) shares that as Jesus returns home, his view and actions are at odds with his family and society. He reveals Jesus’ confirmation that all of us can be his family, 35 “Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”
I feel at odds with this mob and their actions. They believe they are patriots and therefore in the right. I have another perspective. I can forgive their actions but should not forget them.
Written by Walt Eilers
Walt Eilers is a lifelong Episcopalian. He misses attending church and receiving communion and delivering it to shut ins. There is hope and light that soon we will be at a new normal.