Several articles in various news papers have reported that the 3rd year anniversary of war in Iraq has been marked by Global Anti War Protests. Are these the people Jesus calls ”sons of God”? Who are the real peace makers?
An article in the San Francisco Chronicle notes that there were fewer people attending the various protests held around the world, but the feeling that the war in Iraq is a humanitarian crisis is felt globally.
It can be frustrating to see the continued violence and death that continues in Iraq and Afghanistan. The war has divided our country in to two groups - those who support the war and those who do not. Few would argue that this is a very painful and heated subject.
The war in Iraq has challenged our understanding of what Jesus taught on the most fundamental level. Many believe the war is justified and we are simply fighting the forces of evil. Others feel that the cost of war is too high both in terms of money and loss of life. Still others firmly believe that war is never justified regardless of the circumstances. The loss of life cannot be ignored. It is the highest sacrifice of every war. And like it or not, as Americans, we all have the blood of thousands of innocent people on our hands.
The events of 911 broke the heart of American and the world. Never before had we witnessed the horror of hatred like we did on that day. As the shock of that horrible horrible day began to subside there was a general feeling that something must be done - that we had to strike back. It was in that moment we forgot Jesus. We turned our back on him in our rush to stop the forces of evil. Which, perhaps, is exactly what the forces of evil wanted us to do.
Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sendrain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” (Matthew 5:39-47)
Love your enemies?! Have we stopped to love the terrorists? It takes courage to do that! How can we love a terrorist? But this is exactly what Jesus is asking us to do. Don’t get this wrong here. Jesus is not asking you to condone the horrific actions of terrorists - No! No! No! What they are doing is wrong. But Jesus is asking us to see something that is deeper than hatred, more powerful than any weapon of mass destruction, more powerful then fighting evil. He is asking us to LOVE!
Can you see the unbeleiveable wisdom here? Jesus is asking us to stop and turn to love instead of turning to fight. Doesn’t war cause more anger, more stife, more suffering, more poverty, more terrorists? If we can learn to love our enemies we have done more to bring peace to the world than any act of aggression ever has.
Have you stopped and prayed for the terrorists? That is hard enough, but Jesus goes a step further and asks us to pray for them. Jesus is literally showing us the way to God! He is pointing out that it is through love and prayer that we become true peace makers - the sons and daughters of God! Let me repeat that: It is through love and prayer that we become true peace makers - the sons and daughers of God! He also points out that it is easy to love those who love you, but much much more difficult to love your enemies.
Very few of us are true daughters and sons of God. How many of you have really taken what Jesus said to heart? Sadly many of the protesters of the war view themselves as agents of peace, but in truth they are no different than the warrior on the battle field. They are fighting for an idea of peace. For many protesting the war is just another form of expressing the terrible rage they feel or the frustration of not being able to stop this horrible war. This is not what Jesus asked either.
If you don’t like George Bush and feel the war in Iraq is wrong do you have the courage to love him? Have you prayed for him? For some this can be just as sickening as the idea of praying for the terroists.
If you have the courage to practice the teachings of Jesus in every day life and apply them in the most difficult situations that you face you will experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. Following the teachings of Jesus can be the most difficult thing you ever do and the most rewarding. As Jesus explains, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
This is not about choosing sides. There is no us versus them with God. It is not about protesting the war or not protesting the war. It is simply stopping to love. Stopping to forgive. As Jesus points out, “God lets the sun shine on both the evil and the good.” This is the infinite mercy of God: Unconditional Love.
You always have a choice. Why not choose to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ? He is peace itself. The embodiment of divine love. He is asking us to chose love over fear and hatred.
What do you want to choose?
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