Revenge or Reconciliation?

AM: Psalm 119:145-168 • Jeremiah 11:18-23 • Matthew 10:16-22
PM: Psalm 122, 125 • Isaiah 65:17-25 • Hebrews 12:12-24

Two themes addressed in the morning readings for today are persecution and revenge. In Jeremiah, the prophet describes himself as “like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter” and talks of “their evil deeds” and the “devised schemes” perpetrated against him—for which he seeks retribution and punishment by the Lord. (Jer 11:18-20)

In Matthew, Jesus’ followers are described as “sheep (being sent) into the midst of wolves” where they may expect to be persecuted for their faith. They are told that “(you) will be hated by all because of my name…” (Matt 10:22)

But in the evening lessons we read about God’s Glorious New Creation, where “the wolf and the lamb shall feed together.” (Isaiah 65:25) And, in Hebrews, “pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord…” and “see to it that no one fails to obtain the Grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble…” (Hebrews 12:14-15)

We live in such divisive times, it is easy to see ourselves in the role of “the persecuted”—perhaps even wishing (praying?) for “our” God to do harm to our perceived enemies. Indeed, the Bible is filled with the stories of God’s people pitted against “others.” Tribal affinity plays a huge part in the human condition and is the root of so much strife, but living in God’s Kingdom is about pursuing peace, through grace, with everyone.

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. James of Jerusalem. Regardless of who “James the Lesser” actually was (biological brother of Jesus? or not?) he is recognized as a leader of the early church in Jerusalem. An excerpt from a prayer in his honor:

Grant, we beseech thee, O God, that after the example of thy servant James the Just, brother of our Lord, thy church may give itself continually to prayer and to the reconciliation of all who are at variance and enmity; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

(http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bio/275.html)

Written by Shannon Dillard Mitchell

...who is grateful for the return of “in-person worship” and the opportunity to serve as a member of the Altar Guild and St. Spatula’s.