Word to the Wise
Tuesday, September 28, 2010 - St. Lawrene Ruiz, Dominican Layperson, martyr
[Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23 and Luke 9:51-56]"Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?" Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village." [Luke}
In our day we might say the disciples had been watching too many science fiction movies! They seem to think that the best way to deal with opposition is to "zap them!" It's clear from the text that Jesus does not share their lethal enthusiasm! The Samaritans would not receive Jesus and the disciples on the journey because it was clear that the destination was Jerusalem, and Samaritans did not and could not worship there! History is full of the violent response advocated by the disciples. It is a puzzle why Jesus' response is ignored. It is not the Lord's will that we eliminate those who do not accept him! I have encountered sincere Christians who at least emotionally consign non-believers to everlasting condemnation! They use scriptural passages that they believe justify this result. Included in this crowd at some points in history were the highest church authorities in our Catholic tradition! Scholars like Rene Girard and Walter Wink have done some profound studies on the subject of faith and violence. I cannot go into it all at this time. Suffice it to say that violence is deeply rooted in human psyche and it takes considerable intention to overcome it. At least i will say I do not see how any violence can be perpetrated in the name of Jesus! AMEN
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