Goodness! As happy as we are that (in this fictional story that has a historical framework) the plot against the Jewish people was foiled and the Jews were allowed to defend themselves, it is still hard to read and hear about the death and killing that happened while they defended themselves. So much bloodshed.
We read these stories and think: What about peace? Isn't Jesus' way about compassion and forgiveness? Yes, yes it is. But, we are not there yet...and this story serves as a reminder at how very little distance we have come when it comes to "nation vs. nation" situations. Using might and warfare is still our way. We quickly think of the other as the "enemy;" and we delude ourselves into thinking we are the good guys, so God is for us and God is against the other.
God is not against the other. The Psalmist reminds us: "The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The LORD is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made." (Psalm 145: 8-9)
God feels compassion and steadfast love to all that God has made....which is all, period. When we get into battles---whether they are in war, in relationships, at work, in the parish, wherever----we allow our vision to narrow down to our side only. But God always has the good of all in God's sight. God always sees the bigger picture. When we find ourselves on the opposite side of a line drawn in the sand, we need to take the time to consider the other view----to ask God to grant us a bigger vision---to try to consider what is at stake for everyone involved and then to find a way forward that isn't based solely on our own good or our own preferences, but a way forward that is based on that picture which includes all---God's vision.
No comments:
Post a Comment