Wednesday, August 14, 2019

It's Not Always Good to be Nice (Reflections on Pentecost 10, Year C)


Students From A Maryland High School Organize Walkout And March On Capitol Demanding Gun Control Action From Congress : News Photo

Everybody is saying it: we live in a divided nation. Folks in America have really strong—but really divergent—views on how this country should be run and what rules we should live by. People get so worked up they almost come to blows. At my neighborhood community center they’ve gone so far as to adopt a standing rule that no one may discuss politics on the premises. We just want to keep everything nice and friendly. We are, after, all a “55 and Over” community. No one wants to see geriatrics try to body slam each other over immigration policies or gun control.

But I’m not sure if “nice and friendly” is the way we need to go right now. In the Gospel lesson for Pentecost 10 (Luke 12:49-56), Jesus says:

“Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” (v. 51)

This may not sound like the sweet Prince of Peace with the lamb on his shoulder we see in stained glass windows or in our kids’ Sunday school books, but it sure sounds like the Jesus who entered the Temple of Jerusalem and drove out the guys who were ripping off the poor.[i] Jesus wasn’t afraid of sowing a little division where the truth was concerned.

Saint Paul also reminds us that division can be a good thing:

“Indeed, there have to be factions among you, for only so will it become clear who among you are genuine.” (1Cor. 11:19)

Yes, Christians should be friendly, welcoming, peace-making, and nice. But, quite frankly, I’m a little tired of “nice” these days. When innocent people keep getting gunned down in places like El Paso and Dayton, I think it’s time to do away with “nice.” In fact, I think it’s time to scream our heads off, and if people don’t agree, that’s just too friggin’ bad.

It’s now been twenty years since the shooting at Columbine High in Littleton, Colorado. Since that time acts of mass gun violence have only increased. Decency and regard for public safety demand that our lawmakers enact some kind of gun control legislation. This needs to be shouted so loud that even the dimmest sycophant of a politician sucking at the NRA’s teat can get it through his head. There are common-sense measures which can be voted on if our elected representatives have the guts to make them law:

1.      No American civilians need an assault rifle. These weapons should be outlawed along with high-capacity magazines, bump stocks, etc.
2.      There needs to be a federal law standardizing background checks for all gun purchases which includes a mandatory waiting period.
3.      We must outlaw the direct or immediate sale of guns at gun shows and through the internet. All dealers must take responsibility for the firearms they sell.
4.      We must strengthen domestic violence and “red flag” restrictions on gun ownership.

If ever there was a time to start sowing division, it is now. I’m sick and tired of people who only want to come to church to feel good. If you want to feel good, get a massage or watch an episode of Modern Family. Don’t expect that the Gospel of Jesus Christ will always be a comforting thing. Jesus came to shake things up.

Nothing makes me as spitting angry as hearing Evangelical televangelists assure us that we’re good Christians as long as we’re not gay or transgender, don’t have abortions, and give unquestioning loyalty to the Israeli government (no matter how much that government oppresses Palestinian Muslims and Christians). I want to ask these millionaire preachers how they can rant about the things they rant about while many Americans are living below the poverty line and don’t have decent healthcare.

I don’t want to hear platitudes from the—what is it now?—eighty-five or so Democrats who think they want to be president. I want a real Christian voice to rise up like Martin Luther risen from the grave and call out these hypocrites for their hypocrisy in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ as revealed in the Scriptures. And if that causes division, so be it.

We are called to be followers of Christ. Christ called out the money changers and the hypocrites. He caused trouble. So did Martin Luther and Martin Luther King. So does Pope Francis from time to time. We have to ask ourselves if it’s right to be silent and nice in the face of racism, xenophobia, and just plain bad public policy.

“Nice” isn’t nice if it masks the truth.



[i] Matt. 21: 12-13, Mark 11:15-17, Luke 19:45-46, John 2:13-17

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