Communities of faith have experienced "Zoombombing" attacks that disrupt and do violence to their communities. This virtual violence isn't isolated, but part of a long history of faith communities being targeted for violence or terrorism. One example is the white supremacist bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, an act of racist terrorist that killed Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson, and Carol Denise McNair. Zoombombing aren't at the same level of violence as acts of physical terrorism, but they share the same root: People seeking to harm or terrorize others in order to silence, frighten, and destroy.
In our scripture reading this week, Jesus invites his followers to address the violence that his followers faced. In his words and in his life, Jesus shows us that we have a choice to live in fear and hatred, or to live following the path of the God of love. And when we choose this path of a loving God, we participate in creating a society of justice and peace, where we meet those who commit violence with love and respect, and invite them to make the choice for the God of love as well. In loving our enemies, we recognize their humanity and live out our humanity in refusing to fear and hate them.
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“World Peace Prayer,” Refrain Text: Upanishads, © Satish Kumar. Verses and music: Marty Haugen © 1985 GIA Publications Inc. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-730247. All Rights Reserved. Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service obtained from ONELICENSE with license #A-730247. All Rights Reserved.
“Matthew 5:43-48” are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All Rights Reserved.
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