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.

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…