Jesus
answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were
from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being
handed over...my kingdom is not from here...I came into the world to
testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens
to my voice.” Pilate asked him, “What is the truth?”
(John
18:36-38)
Listening
to the Right Voice
I
recently heard a lecture by Professor James H. Cone, whose most
recent book is entitled, “The Cross and the Lynching Tree.” He
draws a parallel between the lynching of black Americans and the
crucifixion of Jesus. In both situations individuals are seen as
“other” and as a threat to society’s structures. Such
structures favor some persons but marginalize others. It can be a
short step to ignore justice and crucify or lynch someone who poses a
threat to the basic structures of society we believe we depend on.
Prof.
Cone asks us to listen to the voices of the marginalized persons in
our society. Can we see their God and correct our own warped
perceptions of who God is? Pilate believed truth was defined by
those in power. He couldn’t begin to listen to Jesus’ voice.
Can we hear Christ’s voice among the marginalized in society so
that they and we become Us – children of God – equal, and equally
beloved by God?
Dear
Lord, our God, forgive us for placing more trust in structures of
power than we place in you. Forgive us for any part we have in
crucifying what is good. Forgive us for failing to appreciate your
presence in people we ignore or belittle. Amen
Ernest
Krug
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