We Cry “Violence!”--Nov. 14, 2010

O God, how long shall we cry to you
to bring an end to terrorism and war—
and you will not listen?

We cry “Violence!” and implore you:
destroy the weapons, make wars cease
to the end of the earth; but do you hear?

Is the problem that we dally incessantly over
dill, mint, and cumin while we neglect the
weighty matters of justice, mercy, and faith?

Grant that we may stand firm in you
as we work for peace; and multiply
our concern for the weighty matters.

Lectionary Readings
Psalms 67, 150, 46, 93
Habakkuk 1:1-2:1
Philippians 3:13-4:1
Matthew 23:13-24

Selected verses
Psalms 46:9
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
      he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
      he burns the shields with fire.

Habakkuk 1:2
O LORD, how long shall I cry for help,
      and you will not listen?
Or cry to you “Violence!”
      and you will not save?

Philippians 4:1
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

Matthew 23:23
“…Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others. … ” [Jesus to the crowds and his disciples]