Put an End to the Killings, O Christ--Aug. 17, 2021

[From Aug. 18, 2015 archive]

 

The world is rife with killings, O Christ. 

Some killers act out of deep seated hatred--

hatred often fortified by a mob mentality; 

some act out of lust for power or wealth; 

others kill in rage, too angry to consider 

the consequences of what they are doing. 

 

But you are good and forgiving, 

abounding in steadfast love 

to all who call on you. 

We call on you now--

put an end to the killings.

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 123; 146; 30; 86

2 Sam. 18:9-18

Acts 23:12-24

Mark 11:27-12:12

 

Selected Verses 

Ps. 86:5 

For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, 
          abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you. 

 

2 Sam. 18:14-15 

Joab said, “I will not waste time like this with you.”  He took three spears in his hand, and thrust them into the heart of Absalom, while he was still alive in the oak.  And ten young men, Joab’s armor-bearers, surrounded Absalom and struck him, and killed him. 

 

Acts 23:12 

In the morning the Jews joined in a conspiracy and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 

 

Mark 12:7-8 

“…But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’  So they seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard.  …”  [From Jesus' parable of the vineyard, as told the chief priests, scribes and elders]