Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs

Lectionary: 356

And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.”
And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Controversy is the milieu of the New Testament, and especially of the Gospels. It probably influences every page and every word of every page of the Bible. If we live in a difficult time of intense controversy, the Christian should feel right at home. How can the Word be broken open and served as nourishing food without serious challenge? People might assume they already know what God wants and never think about it. 

It is refreshing to hear today's gospel account of Jesus and the scribe. They are congenital opponents, it seems, but they agree on one reading of the scriptures. The scribe looks like a young fellow who may be somewhat impatient with his hidebound elders. He is certainly thoughtful, willing to hear an intelligent response to his challenging question, and generous enough to acknowledge their basic agreement. Jesus also demonstrate his open mind and heart as he blesses his opponent, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God.”

We need that Holy Spirit now. Attitudes of controversy can only breed disagreement, suspicion, and hatred. Just say words like Trump or Pelosi and watch the temperatures rise. They have become dog whistles, 

"a subtly aimed political message which is intended for, and can only be understood by, a particular group."

They arouse immediate, mindless responses of agreement or disagreement with the speaker, but in themselves mean nothing. 

What I see is the replacement of religion with politics. Or, an infusion of apocalyptic arousal in an otherwise quiet setting. Many people see the End of the World in a cloudless sky. That artificial excitement, like pep pills and roller coasters, may sell products but it makes for lousy political discourse and worse religion.   

The United States is still a very powerful nation. If it no longer has the military, economic, and ideological dominance that it once had, if other nations are talking, trading, and negotiating with each other without reference to the United States, neither are we about to slide under the Pacific Ocean. But to hear the controversies and conspiracy theories of right and left propagandists, you would think the End is Near! 

Apocalyptic attitudes generate fear and hate, unless they are inspired by the Gospel. The Book of Revelation is the classic apocalyptic book of the Bible but biblical scholars who have studied Jewish and pagan apocalyptic literature, tell us Saint John's Book of Revelation is profoundly optimistic and hopeful. The Saint used a popular genre to announce Good News, although that type of literature is usually pessimistic. He uses alarming imagery to say, "There is no cause for alarm! The Lord has everything in hand and you need not be afraid." In fact we hear that message often as we read the Scriptures. 

Those who react with fear and hatred to today's challenges demonstrate a serious lack of faith. They are not willing to love their enemies and, when reminded of that gospel mandate, can only fume about what their "enemies" are doing and how they must defend themselves or perish. 

The United States is being invaded by enemies? We're the victim of world oppression? Trump would destroy democracy? Pelosi wants to defund all police departments? The NRA is a terrorist organization? Really? Can we discuss this? 

In today's gospel Jesus recognized an honest man among his opponents. There were many, including Nicodemus, Gamaliel, and Joseph of Arimathea in the Sanhedrin. In his Spirit we can also recognize good people amid those who support women's and gay rights, abortion, and the second amendment.