Yesterday the pastor at Trenton United Church who happens to be our son Isaac took a few minutes to be pastoral with the congregation regarding the growing antagonism between the United States and Canada with the anxiety for many that has ensued. He noted that there is a strong temptation to escalate the rhetoric of retaliation at every level of society. While Isaac didn't exactly say "keep your eyes on Jesus" (his thoughtful words were more nuanced) that was the essential message.
Isaac's invitation to view our current critical moment -- I do think it is a national crisis -- his reflection and invitation were important when it is so tempting to be angry and frightened. Occasionally both anger and fear have their place but rarely. This moment during Sunday worship brought to mind a daily scripture reading that jolted me recently. The apostle Paul has sent a pastoral letter to the congregatoin in Rome and this brilliant epistle includes this passage:
Marks of the True Christian
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality to strangers.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” Instead, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink, for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:9-21 NRSVue
This exhortation by Rabbi Paul is essentially the AI distillation of Jesus' teaching, including sampling from the Beatitudes. It is brilliant, both unattainable, if we're honest, and yet paradoxically vital to living in Christ. He doesn't suggest that evil doesn't exist. He does say that more evil isn't the answer.
The phrase "heap burning coals" doesn't sound particularly peaceful and has puzzled many a Christian. The phrases immediately before it are reminders that we aren't God, that compassion and kindness are the anti-revenge -- think of the furore when Bishop Budde had the temerity to gently and directly ask that the president exhibit mercy. That was a heapin' helpin' of coals.
Shall we keep praying and hold fast to what is good?
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