Peace on earth

 

Luke 19:41-44

An Episcopal bishop addressed specific hopes during a recent homily. That the hopes carried strong political overtones surprised many people. Quite frankly, many took offense. This homily garnered much attention since its setting was the inaugural prayer service. I won't say the sermon sparked debate. Much of what I've read isn't debate but spewing. There's no dialogue. There's no listening to what each other has to say. Many of us are not talking to the image of God in others. But the topic is still important. One we should share conversations about. Of course, this is not a new discussion. When is it okay for a sermon to be political? That question has long agitated people. Some will say if the pastor wants to get political, tax the church. Then there are those who are confident faith has nothing to say to politics. Jesus never did, right? Maybe all the years of telling each other to not talk about politics and religion in good company has marred us. Our faith teaches us Jesus was a real person. He had a real life and real feelings. But everything we know about his life comes from the gospel accounts. According to those stories, all Jesus talked about was religion and politics. So, we should be more comfortable with religious and political topics in church. There's no barrier between the two. Jesus wept for Jerusalem because the people didn't recognize "the things that make for peace" (Luke 19:42). Jesus didn't weep because people didn't have a personal, religious peace. A sweet feeling in their hearts. Could Jesus have been talking about a peace that had political and social implications? Well, he saw ramparts set up against Jerusalem. The city's enemies would crush them. Plus, we know the people that rejected Jesus the loudest, those with influence and authority, used political means to quiet him. Don't think politics isn't a part of the gospel. So, what do we do with this idea? First, maybe we should weep more for our cities. Then realize to pray for God's kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven has political ramifications. How could it not? God's peace is no mere feeling. It is a way of living with God, of course. So, pay attention to how peace directs your faith in Jesus. But peace also impacts how we live with each other. Peace on earth, therefore, is political. Get comfortable talking about that in faithful, God-honoring and image-bearer-honoring ways. Stay blessed...john