The media images of responses to the murder of George Floyd portray a stark contrast between angry violence and peaceful marches. Sometimes the contrast fits: we come from a place of righteous indignation in our soul which has no trace of anger, which is the seed of murder, as Jesus implied in the Sermon on the Mount.
But sometimes we have a blend of anger and righteous indignation. Feeling superior to the angry and violent ones, our own eye may have a log of spiritual blindness in it, a pride that forgets that we are all family and love of righteousness implies equal hatred of sin.
Thinking of racism, sexism, or any other such ism, we do well to affirm our common humanity and to appreciate, if we have the opportunity, the unique personality of every individual.
May we continue to ponder, learn, and do our best, with heart, mind, soul, and strength to respond to atrocities with love, wisdom, insight, and vigor. We do not hero-worship George Floyd or demonize the destroyers. Testimonials to the good in our brother gave us the opportunity to love him, and we give thanks for the faith-leadership of his family during this acute period of shock and grieving.
Watch the 6:02 video? The audio file?
In my thoughts I keep asking myself how can we humans become blind and let ourselves be guided by hate.
then I feel that too often I am guided by hate, anger and negativity.
Dear father:
If love can see, then let me see.
if love is righteous then let me act.
if love is healing then let me be your patient.
Amen.