Metro creative

As we approach the end of April, I see a lot of anxiety and insecurity wherever I look. It seems that society has almost grown callous to current events in the news and the world. Violence, heated anger, in some places rage, often it is not clear what the anguish is about. There are shootings by a person into an innocent group of people. Tragically, the violence ends in the individual offender shooting himself. One group pushes against another, hoping to make a statement that is often divisive or untrue. Leaving questions as to why this happened. It occurs so often that we barely notice it, only to hear about it in the news. We give it a moment to wonder why, then go on with our ordinary lives. I think most of us shut out the problem; we do not know what is occurring in our world or how to handle it. We rush through our day with our ordinary problems and have little interest or care for what is occurring. Could this be because we feel distanced from the problems? These events occur elsewhere, or could it be that we think ourselves powerless to make a difference in solving them? We have become almost immune to the tragedies that happen every day, everywhere. We shrug it off and go on with our regular day. I do not know how often I have heard people tell me” I don’t want to see the news, it’s scary and upsetting and I can’t do anything about it”. It is obvious that for the majority of us, we think we can do little about what is happening, or can we?

As Christians, as followers of Jesus, we do have guidance from Jesus himself. If you take the opportunity to read St. Matthew’s gospel, I direct you to Chapters 5, 6, and 7. How to live a Christian life is outlined in these three chapters. Jesus speaks and tells us how to deal with others, especially our enemies, or those who are against us, or those who hurt us for our Faith in Him. What follows is in Jesus words found in scripture. For those who feel lost or without a compass, please read and think about how Jesus directs us as Christians.

Matthew begins Chapter 5 with the Beatitudes, which are the expectations and rewards of those who follow Him. These are God’s expectations for His people. Read further in Mathew, Jesus address on how we are to act with those who hate us.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Aren’t even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)

How are we dealing with evil? Again, Jesus gives his guidance in Chapter 5: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. (Matthew 5:38-42).

This astounded the people of Jesus’s time; the biblical law then was about revenge. The old law of an eye for an eye was well understood. We are seeing these in real time, the operation of the old law of retaliation, being played out currently in the Near East. This concept of loving your enemy and praying for him was totally new two thousand years ago. Christian compassion, rooted in Jesus’ teachings, has had an impact in the modern world. Jesus warns us about false prophets, those who look so good on the surface but underneath are seeking an agenda that enslaves the human spirit.

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. (Matthew 7:15-18)

We are not alone; we have God’s guidance, and as humble or harsh in its demands as it seems, it produces a community that cares for others, communicates wholeness, and seeks unity of spirit. Let these words of scripture be a road to peace, and forgiveness, and above all, healing compassion for all our human family.

Amen