The 8:30 am Sunday worship service at Boise First is a very unique service. When I began leading it back in 2009, I envisioned it transitioning into a contemplative service - lots of silence, lectio as the approach to scripture, and perhaps a bit of Taize-like prayer chants (clearly my preference is showing). And although the group kindly accommodates some silence and reflection, their preferred mode of worship involves discussion - they want to get into the scripture and preach it with me, discussing and debating, sharing and sorting through implications of what it means to walk through this world as followers of Rabbi Jesus. It has the flavor of the base communities of liberation theology, and is very refreshing!
Today the national and world events of this past week led us quickly to a discussion of the polarization in American society, and how one engages in civil discourse around issues that evoke passion on both sides. A certain radio talk show host was mentioned more than once - with our group wondering what we can/should do with the anger we feel. How do we confront such extreme views without being equally strident and angry? Or is it ok to be strident and angry? Is it righteous anger when I do it in defense of my cause (because I am right) but an extreme reaction on the part of the other when they do it (because they are wrong). After all, Jesus would agree with me...
There are many strategies we can adopt to face the complex and polarized political world of 2012. We can engage in political process designed to advance a particular perspective, and do it with respect, kindness, and compassion. We might do this through how we vote, or through peaceful demonstration and positive social engagement, or writing letters, or lobbying elected officials, or making lifestyle changes that promote the perspective that we feel is best for all (not just best for me).
We can learn from the Buddhist approach to right speech and be sure that our words and actions are consistent with our core values, engaging others through the process of posing questions, instead of putting forth a fixed viewpoint Furthermore, we can attempt to stand in the shoes of the person whose viewpoint is very different from our own, and develop compassion and understanding as we see through their eyes.
But the hardest yet most powerful thing we can do in these polarized times is pray for those whom we identify as our enemies - bringing them into our heart and then into the very heart of God. Henri Nouwen reminds us that of all Jesus' commandments, the commandment to love our enemies is perhaps the most radical (Show Me The Way - Daily Lenten Readings, 46-49). Once we consistently take an "enemy" into our heart and into God's heart, the gulf between us is reduced, and over time, the intensity of the feelings soften. Taking this first step of praying for our enemies does not mean abandoning what we know to be true or putting ourselves in a position where our enemy can harm us - healthy boundaries play an important safety role in highly polarized situations. Instead, it is a step of empowerment, as we choose to not engage in dualistic thinking, and instead look to relate to others in a more integrated way.
How do we challenge the despot and bully without engaging in their tactics? How do we speak the truth with a clear, loving voice without responding with anger when challenged? How do we find that common ground in our polarized society...world...close relationships? Can praying for those who act as our enemies truly be the start of transformation?
It is what Jesus preached and lived, even as he died. Perhaps it is worth a try...
I invite you to think of someone you would identify as an enemy - someone who challenges you in a primal way and invites a response of anger and defensiveness. What would it be like to pray for that person every day for the rest of Lent? The thought of it makes me very uncomfortable in that "growing edge kind of way."
I will give it a try. Will you join me?
With love,
Kim
No comments:
Post a Comment