Couple of
nights ago, walking across Times Square – on my way to see musical “Come From Away”
- when I heard them.
I stood
listening for a few minutes – I realized – it’s them – Black Hebrew Israelites –
same group that gave the kids from Covington HS such a hard time. They claim to
be the true Israelites. Although they speak of Jesus – they deny the Trinity
and the divinity of Jesus – in a word – they preach hate.
When the
Covington story first broke – I like many of you – watched the video on You Tube.
Little did we know that there was much more video to come.
But apart
from any right or wrong - the comments – the hate, the cruelty – calling everyone
to destroy this kid – who turned out to be 17! Then someone published his
address – the email of his parents – his school – get him!
The way of
the internet - we disagree with someone – we jump on line – we create rage – and
we attack.
The internet
breeds this – and it is carried over into our culture.
What has
happened to us?
And yet we
are capable of so much more!
I was hesitant
about the show “Come From Away.” I mean a musical about 9/11? I had a college classmate
die – Firefighter Frankie Palumbo father of 10 – parishioners die – Lieut. John
Ginley, Chief John Williamson
But it’s the
story about the planes - when all planes were told to land – immediately. 38
International planes landed in Gander, Newfoundland, population 7,000. The “plane people” numbered 7,000. Where were they, what was happening? And, so many different languages!
The people
of Gander and surrounding communities – jumped into action – prepared food –
set up shelters – brought them home – it is a great story – the triumph of good
over evil.
We are
capable of so much good!
Now remember
this Gospel passage?
A woman was
brought before Jesus caught in the act of adultery – stone her! Bury her in
hate!
Master, what
should we do? Wrote on the ground – will
not cooperate – What did he write? All their sins? - Let the one among you
without sin be the first to cast a stone – where are your accusers? – They
accused her – another word for Satan – the Accuser. No one left to condemn you?
– neither do it – go now and avoid this sin.
It’s called
the test of love: willing the good of the other. Don’t have to like – but love!
Before we write that comment, before we say something: do we wish to accomplish
something good? Are we trying to move the person to a better space?
Now we know
why he said – love your enemies – do good to those who hate you – turn the
other cheek!
We as Church
called to bring about the Kingdom of God!
And, as hard
as it is, love is the only way!
