11th September 2011 9/11! Today’s date brings to mind memories of the horrendous events of the same day in 2001. I am shocked to realize that 10 years have passed as the memories are seared into my brain as though it was yesterday.
Wherever you were, whatever the other concerns in your life at that time, there is no doubt that the destruction of the World Trade Center, in New York, and the other events of that day, impacted, not just on those in the immediate vicinity, but the peoples of the world. In fact 9/11 changed the world and continues to impact on the way we live … and the way we view one another… particularly those who practice a faith that differs from Christianity.
Our daughter, Naomi, shared the story of her bus trip to work (in Sydney) in peak hour on the 12th September as the news was breaking in Australia. She regularly shared the journey with people of various ethnic backgrounds but on that morning she was particularly concerned about the shock and fear in the eyes of those of “middle eastern” appearance. They were obviously concerned about the repercussions of the actions of a group of extremists, for which they were likely to be held responsible. And hatred was eventually unleashed in many different forms.
Shock and horror turned to fear. Fear feeds anger .. anger breeds hatred, and hatred turns to violent retaliation – or we take action to wall ourselves up and shut out those who are different. Such is the world we live in… it is the only world my grand children now though the events that shape it happed before they were born.
What Would Jesus Do if he was walking amongst us today? Our readings today are about forgiveness. Yes, I know that Peter is speaking about forgiving between those who share our faith, so you might consider that we are not expected to forgive those outside of Christianity.
Please note that this is not Jesus last word on the matter. At the cross he asked his Father to “forgive them, for they know not what they do” and, in Luke’s gospel we have an account of Jesus teaching with regard to our “enemies. (6: 27- 36)
27 ‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 30Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32 ‘If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
I know this seems difficult. We can’t do it alone. We need to ask for His help!
Love and blessings
Rev Shan