How Do We Respond to Insurrection as Christ's People?

 

                                                                

                                                                    Toronto, February 5, 2022

Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing.

                                                 1 Peter 3: 9-19

During the past ten days it has become increasingly difficult to talk myself off the ledge of indignation and anger about what began as a rather suspect "peaceful protest" in the nation's capital of Ottawa and quickly became an insurrection. Those who claim the invasion of the city core has been non-violent haven't been paying attention to the plight of people who live and work there. Many have been verbally abused for wearing masks or observing by-laws prohibiting serving the unmasked. Residents have been subjected to the relentless cacophany of truck horns. The desecration of landmarks created to honour those who've made actual sacrifices is appalling. 

This morning in the online worship service offered by Rev. Isaac Mundy at Trenton United Church included a prayer by our UCC Moderator, the Rev. Richard Bott. I would share it here but I can't find the words at the United Church website. It does reflect on the jarring use of  the swastika and confederate flag around Parliament Hill, symbols from regimes of oppression and destruction. The prayer invites us to place our trust in God in the midst of turbulent times, even as it decries extremism. 

Honestly, while I want to reassure myself that "this too shall pass" I've grown increasingly concerned by the shift to the angry right in places around the world, including here in Canada. It seems like a form of possession, as people lose their ability to think rationally -- why would they threaten health care workers or intimidate passers by for exercising the freedom of choice they claim they are denied?

 It's important to be reminded that we"do not repay evil for evil" -  because the outcome always spirals downward. So, while I've been inclined toward lightning bolts for those who confuse their selfishness with freedom, I will pray for the best outcome  I can't promise a tender heart at this juncture.