God, how do we deal
with the bloodthirsty and deceitful;
and with those who
afflict the righteous, or take a bribe;
or with those who
push aside the needy seeking justice?
Surely our first
obligation is to support the oppressed
and those who have
been lied to and denied redress;
to care for the
wounded and hungry and homeless.
We must also find
ways to stop the oppression;
to expose bribery,
deceit, violence, injustice;
to muster support,
private and governmental.
But all the while,
help us keep in mind our own
failure to live
justly; our participation in a violent
society; and how many
are our own transgressions.
God, help us
remember--Jesus preached a parable
to those who trusted
in themselves as righteous
while they regarded
others with contempt.
Is this the key,
Lord, to how we can
pursue peace with
everyone,
even as we fight evil?
Lectionary Readings
Ps. 5; 147:1-11; 27; 51
Amos 5:6-15
Heb. 12:1-14
Luke 18:9-14
Selected Verses
Ps. 5:6
You
destroy those who speak lies;
the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful.
the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful.
Amos 5:12
For I know how many are your transgressions,
and how
great are your sins--
you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe,
and push
aside the needy in the gate.
Heb. 12:14
Pursue
peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
Luke 18:9
[Jesus]
also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were
righteous and regarded others with contempt…
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