Tag Archives: peace

Jesus’ politics

23 Thursday Feb 2017

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Yesterday I introduced you to The Shadow of the Galilean by Gerd Theissen.  Here’s another snippet from the book.  It’s actually from the author writing to a friend who is reviewing his book, chapter by chapter.

Jesus expected radically changed political circumstances but did not expect that they would be brought about through political change. His aim was “political,” but it was to come about without politics.  God would realize this aim. And that meant that people were not to achieve this aim by treating others violently. Nor, however, were they to be completely passive.

(pg. 92)

If you’ve read my blog for any length of time you know that this paragraph caught my attention like a crazy man.  This may be, in my opinion, one of the best summations I have ever read on Jesus being political.

This is the separation between being political and being partisan.  Jesus was here to unfold the Kingdom of God, to bring out a new reality – a reality that has a new governance too.  He wasn’t here to do this through violence.  He wasn’t here to exchange one empire for another. He isn’t involved in our world to shift power between two faulty and failing political partisan forces who only care about power.

Jesus has a different aim.  And we are a part of it.  We participate in Jesus’ aim when we live out his call for us – to be peacemakers, to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute, to offer mercy, to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, the visit the sick and imprisoned, to care for the widow and the orphan.  That’s Jesus’ political platform in a nutshell.

Now is the time…

22 Wednesday Feb 2017

Posted by in Politics, Society, Theology

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For one of my seminary classes, we are reading The Shadow of the Galilean, by Gerd Theissen.  It’s a fictional account of a man, Andreas, who lived during the same time as Jesus in Galilee.  Andreas has many things happen to him and in the course of his adventures, he comes across a range of people who all have various opinions about Jesus and his teachings.  In one such conversation, Andreas is talking with a friend of his who is a Zealot – someone committed to getting Rome out of Israel.  Here’s what Andreas’ friend had to say:

Without the pressure of force nothing will change in this land.  See how the Romans are more and more intent on incorporating our country into their empire. At first they still allowed us to be governed by our own rulers. Then they replaced our princes wiht the Herodians, who owed all their power to the Romans. Finally, in Judea and Samaria, they took over the government themselves.  They respected our religious traditions for twenty years.  But now they’re having pagan coins minted. They’re bringing effigies of the emperor to Jerusalem.  Step by step they’re blurring everything that separates us from other peoples.  Soon no one will be able to say, ‘Rulers are oppressing their peoples everywhere but mustn’t be like that among you.’ Rather, they’ll be saying, ‘The Romans rule everywhere as benefactors of the peoples. And it will be just the same for you.’ Then oppression will no longer be called oppression nor exploitation exploitation.  So now is the time for violent resistance. Now is not the time of Nehemiah.  Now is not the time for Jesus of Nazareth.”

(pg. 88)

The very end of the section is what caught my attention. “Now is the time for violent resistance. Now is not the time for Jesus of Nazareth.”

Sounds almost like it could have been said yesterday.  Then again, it is something that could have been said for most of human history.

We have this penchant towards violence to get our way.  Going the way of peace is never opportune.  There is never a good time to start walking the peaceful way.  We will always find a reason to fight.  Yet, hasn’t that path led to more violence in response?  Is that’s insane, yet we keep trying the path of violence. It’s crazy.

So, Christians, when is it the time of Jesus of Nazareth and his call to be peacemakers?   When is it time for us to love our enemies?  When is it time to pray for those who persecute others?  When is the time?

Now.  It starts with you and me.  Each one of us taking a step out in faith.  Will it be easy?  Nope.  It may even be extremely costly.  But that’s the call.  If the world is going to change, then it needs to start somewhere and with someone.  Why not you and I?

Now is the time.

What does it mean to be a Christian today?

23 Friday Dec 2016

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So what does it mean to be a Christian at the end of 2016 in America?

Have you ever really thought about this question?

For many, being a Christian is just another identity to add to other secular identities.  Apparently, many seem to think that Christian is just another moniker to add to the list of how a person defines themselves – adding to the list that includes their political party loyalty, nationality, and a host of other things I’m not going to get into here.  Because that’s not the point of why I write this.

What does it mean to be a Christian?

It’s something that transforms who we are.  Our loyalties lie with God and the Kingdom of God first.  A Christian follows the way of Christ – attempting to follow out what he told us to do and be.  Forgiving as we are forgiven.  Living peace, as are instruments of peace.  Showing mercy, as mercy has been shown to us.  Offering love, as we have been loved.  Giving grace, as we have received grace.  And when we screw up and break relationships with God, one another, ourselves, and the rest of creation – then acknowledging that, and receiving forgiveness so we can go at it again.

That’s one answer to what it means.  But not “the” answer.

It seems easier to define what being a Christian is not.  But what’s the point of talking about that – there are plenty of voices who argue about this already.

Being a Christian isn’t about fighting over what being a Christian is not.  It’s about how Christ transforms us and changes us to be something different in a world that is more interested in power, being right, control, violence, dominance, might, and more.

Being a Christian is attempting to live out an ideal – one we will never live up.  Yet, that doesn’t mean we give up on it.  If Christians kept trying to live into what we were called into, the world would change.

However, here’s the rub.  It’s not about what we do.  That should be apparent.  We’ve been trying for centuries – and the result has been a ton of death and destruction and lives ruined.  Most of the time because it’s our version of what we think Christianity is and using Christ to support our way of thinking and believing.

Yet, being a Christian isn’t about that at all.  It’s about dying to self.  It’s not using God for our advantage.  It’s being conformed to God’s will.  It’s surrendering.  It’s being in a right relationship with God.  It’s not about rules.  It’s about joyful living. It’s about accompanying people in the crap of life.  It’s about so much more than most of us even come close to knowing.

What would it mean for your life if you actually lived out what Jesus calls us to?

How would that change your life?  What are you waiting for?

How would it affect the world?

Being a Christian today is more than a political party sub-label.  If that’s all it is, it’s worthless.

But if it’s something that changes lives – then watch out.  Christ might just call us to live differently.  Christ might just call on us to interact with other differently – especially those we consider our enemies and opponents.  Christ might just call on us to give up some things so there is room for us to receive other, better, things.

What does it mean to be a Christian today?  I would guess it looks a lot different than what most people think it does.

Reflection for November 9

09 Wednesday Nov 2016

Posted by in Politics, Uncategorized

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How are you feeling America?  I imagine there are a few different responses depending on if your candidate won or lost.  If you are like me, you didn’t have a candidate and so you went into election day already disappointed.  No change in that because of the election.

How are you feeling rest of the world?  I have friends from other parts of the world.  I know what they are thinking – that we’ve lost it.  That we did a Brexit of our own.  And yet I wonder if they worry that something similar will be taking place in their country as well – it seems to be sweeping across the planet.  What it is is difficult to name specifically though.  Is it anger?  Is it independence?  Are the same cycles occurring that we have seen before?

We think that politics ends because the public campaign is over.  Yet, it isn’t.  There are fundraisers scheduled for today because today begins the next cycle.  Politics isn’t something that is added onto life, something that we do every so often.  Rather politics  has consumed life here in the US.  It is the ultimate form of entertainment, minus the bloodshed of the Colosseum.

And that a problem that we have created.  Maybe we created this problem when we became the super power of the earth.  What else to expect when you hold the military and economic might in the palm of your hands.  What else should we expect when we make every policy so important to our lives and we wait holding our breath to hear what the president or a candidate has to say.  What should we expect when we determine what our mood will be for the day based on the political developments of the last 24 hours or any day for that matter.

We are a nation that is divided, anxious, fearful, angry, and holding onto a great deal of power and might.  This is an uncertain time we live in.

We live in a unique time when we are called as Christians to carry out the Gospel and share the Good News, yet I wonder how many Christians have traded that in for the gospel of a political party and candidate and share the rhetoric and memes of these parties instead.  Jesus’ message is counter cultural – yes even, and maybe especially here in the US.  And it would be even if the results of the election had gone the other way – make no mistake.

Jesus’ message is in sharp contrast to the Democrat and Republican parties and to some extent America as well.  The Gospel tells us that our hope and salvation is in Jesus, not in Washington, DC.  That is still true today, just as it was two days ago, and will be long after the United States ceases to exist.

We are in desperate need of healing, yet I wonder if we will continue to look for healing in the wrong places.  We are in desperate need of peace, yet I wonder if we will continue to look for peace through military might and victory.  We are in desperate need of Good News, yet I wonder if we will continue to listen so attentively to every word our politicians give us.  We are in desperate need of hope, yet I wonder if we will continue to place our hope in human institutions, structures, and flawed leaders and their policies.

I’m not interested in examining the election in terms of why campaigns won or lost.  Instead, today starts something else, a reformation of sorts – pastoral care for many people who feel lost, Good News for people who feel gut punched, hope for the hopeless, humility for the proud, trust proclaimed for those who put their trust elsewhere, truth for the ideologically blind, grace for the desperate, mercy for those who need consolation, reminders of the outcasts for those in power.

While I’m disappointed today, and would have been regardless of who won, I continue to hold my head up.  My hope and salvation haven’t changed.  My joy comes from a source that springs eternal.  Peace is the way I walk, mercy is what I am called on to show.  Grace is what I receive so that I may be Christ’s ambassador.  Today is a new day.  God is still in charge and has given us this day, calls on us to be stewards of it with the gifts that are given to us by the Spirit.  Jesus calls on us to be his hands and feet for those around us.  To share hope with our neighbors – hope that comes from God. Hope that doesn’t depend on who is in political office.

My prayer for you today is that you hear God’s word and that you would experience God’s love and mercy.  And then…And then go out and do likewise.  That’s how lives are changed.  That’s how nations are changed.  That’s how the kingdom of God is unfolded right before our eyes.  Amen.

More stunning views

23 Friday Sep 2016

Posted by in Travel

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We made our way back to HARPA and I walked over to the water’s edge.  I just couldn’t help myself.  There is something about water that draws me in – that welcomes me.  The shore is one of those places that I feel a sense of peace.  It’s a place where worlds come together.  That’s true whether it’s in Reykjavik or anywhere else where there is a shoreline.  Maybe in this case, it’s seeing earth, water, mountains, clouds, and sky all in the same view.  Maybe it’s also seeing humans in this picture too, living at peace with one another and with nature.  Maybe a foretaste of the feast to come when all will be reconciled to one another.  That is my prayer anyway.

iceland_582

 

 

Jesus would vote for my candidate

03 Wednesday Aug 2016

Posted by in Humor, Politics, Society, Theology

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How would Jesus vote? For my candidate of course. So there. Now that we all know that the Divine One supports my way of thinking, you all better get in line, or else.

Seriously though, how would Jesus vote in 2016 America?

That’s a fun game isn’t it? I usually see this type of post as we approach elections — this year is no different. I have read theologians make arguments as to why their preferred candidate is the morally superior choice.

I hear arguments that state that Jesus would vote for the Democrat because that party has supposedly cared for the poor through their policies and Jesus had a special place in his heart for the poor. He preached about people doing things for the poor. Democrats are typically opposed to the death penalty — Jesus would be too. Yes, Jesus would be a good liberal Democrat.

Then I hear arguments that state that Jesus would vote for the Republican because that party is opposed to abortion and Jesus would be against abortion because abortion is killing an innocent person. Republicans are for “family values” — however you want to define that murky term. Clearly Jesus would be for love of family over government any day right? Yes, Jesus would be a good conservative Republican.

Oy vey! Enough already. Stop trying to make Jesus something that he never was — An American in the 21st century. He was a Middle Eastern poor guy (and yes, still the Son of God) that never had the opportunity to vote and wouldn’t have understood the concept. His entire life was lived in a region that was under occupation by a ruthless empire. No one in that region had a concept of rights as we understand them, had a say in who was to rule over them, or had any legal way to express their opinions directly about the rulers of the times (unless they didn’t mind being killed for expressing their displeasure).

So can we stop kidding ourselves into believing that Jesus would vote for either a Democrat or Republican.

If anything, Jesus would look at government with suspicion. Government in Jesus’ time was oppressive — pay your taxes or else suffer the consequences. Stay out-of-the-way of the soldiers or suffer the consequences. Careful what you say about those in charge or suffer the consequences. Remember Jesus was crucified by the Roman empire as a threat to their stability — a political execution.

There was no welfare state for the masses — government was not about serving their needs. Government existed for the benefit of the emperor. It existed to keep order. It existed as an efficient means of collecting taxes.

Jesus spent a great deal of time preaching an alternative government — the Kingdom of God. Whereas the Roman empire and its government was based on worship of the emperor and war and strength, the Kingdom of God was based on the worship of God and peace. The Roman empire and its government was interested in obtaining and keeping power, while the Kingdom of God was interested in empowering the powerless.

How would Jesus vote? No one has any idea what so ever. And you are kidding yourself if you think you do. I have a feeling though that Jesus wouldn’t be voting — ever. He’d be more concerned with implementing the Kingdom of God in place of all human governments — including the US government. He’d be more concerned with preaching a message of peace, mercy, forgiveness, and helping the poor — not worrying about what government policies were in place. Because government policies are concerned with one thing — the physical nature of poverty. Jesus would go beyond that, recognizing something government never would — the spiritual poverty that exists.

I have a feeling he’d be more concerned with changing and replacing the culture of consumerism and the enthrallment with violence that we are stuck on — we have made these into our idols. Just question either one and see what I mean — “why aren’t you buying this or that? What do you mean you don’t think we should kill our enemies?”

How would Jesus vote? I’m guessing that he wouldn’t. He’d do the same thing he did with parables. He’d be offered two options by someone trying to trap him and he would propose an alternative that was completely different. Choosing between the two options would be endorsing a broken system that he never bought in to. I’m guessing that’s what Jesus would do. And just like the Pharisees who wanted Jesus to endorse their view of the world and were sorely disappointed and then angry at him, I have a feeling there would be a lot of Democrats and Republicans would be just as disappointed and maybe even extremely angry that Jesus not only dismissed their party loyalties, but would want to change the governing structure of the nation completely. I have a feeling he wouldn’t be invited to their party conventions, not even to offer the prayer. What a party pooper!

Can peaceful individuals change violent systems?

02 Tuesday Aug 2016

Posted by in Organizational theory, Theology

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I have never seen an example and can’t think of an example of a person who pursues to live peacefully or be an instrument of peace that has been the cause of anyone else dying or causing destruction.  Can you?

I have never seen anyone who was concerned and committed with living out what Christ truly calls us to be end up being the cause of violence, death, or destruction.  Have you?

What I have seen is that the common cause of death and destruction has been people who make an idol out of being right.  This can come under the label of religion, nation, philosophy, power, politics, etc., but it is never from people who set aside the concern of being right in order to live out a call from Christ and follow what Christ actually said.  But of course being right isn’t the only cause though either.

A friend reminded me though that living peacefully is much easier for individuals than it is when we deal with systems.  Especially systems that bombard people with messages that tell them lies about themselves.  Individuals have a responsibility to live out peacefully.  And our systems should reflect this as well.

I wonder, can systems be altered and changed by individuals choosing to live differently?  I wonder what the critical mass would be to cause such a change.  How does a system change?  Aren’t systems made up of people?  Yet, I know they are more than that too.

Can a peaceful person change a violent system?  Can a group?  Maybe it starts by asking the question if its possible.  Then we go from there.

 

 

Praying for our enemies

25 Monday Jul 2016

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More bombings, more terror, more shootings.  We hear candidates for office give speeches that focus on fear of others and how dangerous the world is.  We hear how we need a strong leader who can defend us, protect us, save us.  We are supposed to be united in our fear.  We are supposed to stand behind politicians who would like nothing better than for the masses to rely on them, hand over our freedoms to them, and to tell the public what to do, what to say, and what to think.

We Christians claim to have faith in God, yet we listen so intently and believe with unquestionable faith the words of these would-be “leaders.” Excuse me if I call that what it is – idolatry.

And in covering the horrific events and by sharing posts about what is reported, do we think about what we are actually doing?   Are we assisting in distributing a message of fear – the message of those who commit the violence?  Have we become enablers of their false gospel message – that everyone should fear them.  Do we assist in spreading a message of those who seek attention and want to impose their narrative on the rest of the world?

I wonder what it would look like if we changed how we covered such violence.  What if we spent very little time focused on the perpetrator, on who is responsible, and spending endless hours trying to figure out the motivation.

Why do we give so much attention and publicity to those who spread fear, division, hatred, and commit violence?

What if instead we did something completely different?  What if we focused on the victims of these horrors instead?  What if we showed their faces, talked about the victims, their lives, who they were, what they believed?

What if we started calling the victims what they truly are – martyrs.  Is that a stretch?  They were killed for who they are, what they stand for, what belief system they were associated with.  They are martyrs.

We should be careful how we report the news.  Who do we give credibility to?  Whose narrative are we advancing?  Are we just reporting the facts, or by moving to speculation, are we just giving unneeded attention to those who would commit violence and terror and advance a message of fear?

Today is a day to mourn the martyrs – the martyrs of Kabal, the martyrs of Munich, the Martyrs of Nice, the martyrs of Orlando, the martyrs of San Bernidino, the martyrs of all shootings and attacks to come.  Focus on the martyrs – stop giving perpetrators attention and credibility.  Stop giving them credit and worrying about who takes the credit for spreading fear.  Stop analyzing and spinning.  Stop the madness in the name of being informed – as if we all need to know every single detail and all the theories.  We don’t.  What we need to do is be there for the victims and their families.

Here is something we can all do – focus on the martyrs and pray for those who would commit violence, terror, promote fear and division, and seek blood.

We pray for the victims, but what about the perpetrators?  What about those whose beliefs are so warped?  Can we bring ourselves to pray for those who want to kill us?  Can we be so bold?  Can we be so risky?  Can we test our faith in such a way?

Or would we rather pray a prayer that seeks revenge or, dare I say it, death to our enemies. Only we would call it defeat – that’s much a more sanitary use of language isn’t it?  It covers our real intent.

When we pray for peace, can we really then turn around and speak and post words of revenge, defeat of enemies, and justified violence?  Do we really believe the prayer?  Do we really take in and live out the words we pray when we speak this way?  Do we really believe that God can do this?  Or are we just mouthing the words with empty faith?

When we pray for forgiveness, can we really then turn around and speak and post words of judgement on our enemies, our political opponents, and anyone we disagree with?  Do we really believe the prayer?  Do we live it out?  We we honestly believe that God is capable of such a thing?  Or are we just saying the things we think we are supposed to say?

When we pray for our enemies, what we do pray for?  And do we honestly believe it?

I’m asking you to do something bold right now with me.  I’m asking you to put your faith where you mouth is.  I’m asking you to do something that may feel impossible.  I’m asking you to pray for the martyrs and the perpetrators of violence.  If you want to be really bold and take a risk, then copy the prayer and post it on social media and ask others to pray it with you and to share it.

Please pray with me:  Holy God, today we pray for the families of victims of violence and terror – they are modern day martyrs.  They died for who they were, what they stood for, and what they believed.  Many died not knowing why.  We ask that you be with the families and friends – be with them in this time of pain and sorrow.  We know you weep with them.  Help them to feel your presence.

God of peace, we also pray for those who condone violence, are committed to death and fear, and those who perpetuate these things in the world – maybe even in your name.  We ask for a change of heart.  Break down the walls around their hearts and minds.  Soften their hearts Lord.  Help them to see you, to see your face in the face of these martyrs.  Change them and their ways Lord.  Let them experience love, forgiveness, mercy, and peace so that they would start to live these things.

Help us to break the cycle of violence in not seeking revenge or retribution, but in offering peace and forgiveness – even to those who have wronged us and to those who hate us.  That’s a tall order Lord, but we know only you can make that happen in us and in those who are different from us.  We believe that this change can happen Lord – we truly believe it.  Help us to be peacemakers, as costly as it is, being the ones who take the first step.  We pray for the impossible Lord, knowing that you are in the business of making the impossible not just possible, but reality.  We pray this in the name of the one known as the Prince of Peace.  Amen.

American Anger

10 Friday Jun 2016

Posted by in Humanity, Politics, Society

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Back in April, The New York Times ran and article explaining why they think Americans are angry.  I don’t think much has changed since then, which is why this article is still relevant.  The Times started with an assessment of economics and then moved to this statement:

So why does it feel more like a 1 a.m. bar brawl?

The answer may have more to do with political parties than economics, or at least with the interaction of the two. Today’s voters have sorted themselves and polarized into partisan groups that look very different than they did in the late 1980s. And members of each side like the other side less than before. Americans aren’t annoyed only by the economy; they’re annoyed with one another.

and concluded with this paragraph:

Democrats and Republicans like each other a lot less now than they did 60 years ago, in part because they have sorted into parties based on attitudes on race, religion and ethnicity. These attitudes and emotions have been activated in the lead-up to the 2016 election. Add to this the fact that the country is becoming less white and that nonwhites are disproportionately more likely to be Democrats, and an explanation for the anger emerges.

I applaud the Times for pointing out one thing – It’s not the economy, stupid.  You might remember a political slogan from not so long ago that stated “It’s the economy, stupid.”  It was the idea that all happiness and success in the country comes down to economics.  2016 is showing that life goes beyond economics.

It’s so much more.  And thank God for that.  It goes beyond money.  It goes beyond materialism and having a lot of stuff.  It goes to something much more intangible.  Dare I say what the Times won’t even say – Maybe it’s spiritual.  The Times would never go that far, but I’m willing to go there.  God forbid we acknowledge the spiritual in public.

The Times hints around the edges of the bigger issue, but never quite gets there.  They are still focused on very tangible things – skin color, religious affiliation (what church you go to), and ethnicity (what countries you can trace your heritage to).  These are all things that a person can trace in very tangible ways.

Tangible problems are great because you can usually just throw money at a tangible problem and fix it.  Tangible items are things.

Unfortunately, people don’t work that way.  Or maybe that’s something that’s really fortunate.  There isn’t a law that we can pass to change how people feel.  Because what it really comes down to goes beyond the differences the Times point out.  Something more foundational – trust.  We have a trust problem.  We don’t trust one another.  We don’t trust our institutions.  We don’t trust our government or leaders.  We don’t trust that others will look out for one another’s safety and well being.  We don’t trust that other people will mind their own business.  We don’t trust that other people won’t harm us.

These are basic building blocks of a society. And they are crumbling right before our eyes.  When we remove trust, then everything that is built on it comes tumbling down.  When people trust one another then you can send your kids outside without worrying if they will be kidnapped or worse.  When you trust other people, you can live in your home without feeling the need to have a weapon for self-defense.  When you trust institutions, you don’t feel the need to demand many things from them.  When you trust your government and it’s leaders, you don’t feel the need to listen for every utterance coming out of the capitol nor think about government and politics constantly.  You certainly don’t pay attention to political campaigns for well over a year without a break.  When there is trust, you don’t entertain the thought that if one political party wins over the other, then the nation will literally fall apart, or worse.

If we want to change the anger that Americans are experiencing and expressing then one way to do that is to build trust with one another again.  We can build trust in a variety of ways.  The biggest thing about this though is that trust takes time, effort and energy.  It requires vulnerability on our part.  It requires human touch.  It requires looking at someone eye-to-eye.  It requires listening so we can understand someone else.  It requires patience.  It requires doing what you say you will do.  It requires a lot of each one of us.

Anger is easy.  Trust is much harder – it takes work.  Anger is about “right now.”  Trust is about today and tomorrow and the next day, etc.  Anger is about being a victim.  Trust is about taking responsibility.  Anger feels justified.  Trust is about humility.  Anger is selfish.  Trust is about interconnectedness – both you and I and others.  Anger leads to violence.  Trust is the way of peace.

So what’s it going to be America?  Are we going to continue to throw a two year old temper tantrum, or are we going to buck up and be adults?

 

Lamentation and Hope

10 Tuesday May 2016

Posted by in Humanity, Society, Theology

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Last night as I was waiting to pick up my daughter from soccer practice, I scanned through the radio stations and landed on a “Christian” station.  The preacher on the air was talking about “the LGBT question.”  He made an argument that weaved the Constitution and the Bible together very intimately and then made the following statement:  “LGBT people have no standing before the law.  They need to sit down and shut up.”

I sat in disbelief and horror of what I just heard.  Did he really just say that…out loud…on the radio for all to hear?  Did I hear that right?  Where is the Gospel in that message?  No where.

Are we going to rule and be ruled by anger?  Will the angry mob be in charge?

Anger is deadly.   It does not produce life, but rather bitterness, dissension, scapegoating, threats, ruin of careers, relationships, lives.  Anger is a flame that is uncontrollable and that burns anything in its path – both friend or foe.

Anger is irrational, not open to debate, or conversation or listening in anyway.  Anger is all consuming and demands compliance.  Anger will do anything to bring all within its deadly grasp.

The opposite of anger is calm, ease, joy, love, peace, contentment.  These things can not live in the same place with anger.  They are much like light and darkness.  The difference between them is so very clear – with anger, a person is like a violent sea, being thrown to and fro at the will of the waves – reacting to every little thing – a victim.  Love, joy, peace and calmness are a calm sea – where a person no longer reacts, but can respond.  When they respond, it is not out of necessity, but out of love.

Anger leads to blood being shed – the blood of the one labeled as the cause of the anger – regardless of the truth.  The scapegoat.

Anger leads to death – death of conversation, death of relationships, death of trust, death of people.

Why, oh why, must we traverse this road?  Why do we choose a path that is so jagged and littered with victims of those who have gone this way before – a path of anger.  Why do we choose such a path so well traveled throughout history?  Do we follow this path because it is the common path – the wide road that has been heavily traveled and so we just follow it because there have been so many who have traveled it so many times before.  Do we think that the road will be different?

Or is it something else – maybe we travel it because we know exactly where it goes.  We travel it because we feel that because we know, we are in control.  Anger is as old as the first sin – the desire to be like God.  And when we woke up to the truth that we are not God, we grew angry.  Angry that we were lied too, angry that the lie wasn’t true, angry that someone else bought into the lie, angry that there were consequences for our decision, angry that we were not in control.

Why do we not learn from the past?  Why do men and women willingly carry your heavy burden, oh Anger.  Why?  Why do we think we can master you when history has shown that we become your slaves?  Why?

Why do we willingly reject peace, love, calm, and hope?  Why do we always only give these ways such a short leash that whenever there is a sign of challenge, we rip ourselves away from them to go back to our habits which lead to death?

Why do people not see the predictable fate that you, oh Anger, lead to?  Why?

Why do people who serve you not see what they become under your tutelage?

What are we to do, oh Lord of peace?  Are we to fight anger?  Or in fighting, do we become angry and become that which is not us.

Or instead, do you call us to something completely different?  That regardless of what others may do, do you call us to live a way of peace, love, hope, and calm.  Do you call us to live these out, not waiting for the perfect time and scenario because right now is the perfect time to live these out.  The perfect time to live the way of peace, love, hope and calm is in the midst of the fury of anger.  To be a light in a world lost in darkness.  To be the calm, small, still voice that calms the waters of the turbulent seas of anger.

You call us, Lord, to be your hands and feet in service to our neighbors and our world.  You also call us to be a message of peace, hope, love and calmness through your word and through our lives.

You don’t call us to the well-worn path, but rather to the path less traveled.  It is not an easy path.  You know the anxiety we feel in the center of our very being.  You have equipped us to carry on, not in order to earn anything, but to be your light in this dark world.  Help us to be that light always and if we have to, to use words – give us those words when the time is right.  We don’t know what is along this path, but we know where the less traveled path leads – it leads to a city, the New Jerusalem, where the water and the tree of life flow from its very center to nourish and replenish and restore all of creation.  It is a city where there will be no more tears of sorrow.  Death will be no more.  Mourning and crying and pain and anger will be no more.  For they will have passed away.   All that is left is you.