Be the Salt - January 19
Today’s Readings - Psalm 25; Gen. 8:6-22; Heb. 4:14-5:6; John 2:23-3:15
This past week Beth Israel Synagogue, in Jackson, Mississippi was partially destroyed by an arsonist. A suspect has been arrested who confessed to setting the fire. The alleged arsonist is 19 years old and is quoted as having referred to Beth Israel as the “synagogue of Satan.” His actions have been condemned by the state Attorney General as a “disgusting act of anti-Semitic violence.” Of the items destroyed were two Torahs and their entire library. One Torah that had survived the Holocaust was behind glass and so was left undamaged.
As adults from the synagogue tried to explain to the children what had happened, one child asked, “Why would someone do something like this to us?” I asked very similar questions almost 60 years ago when the synagogue and the home of the rabbi were firebombed by members of the KKK. My family attended services at the synagogue with my stepfather, who was a member of the congregation. It’s hard to imagine that the congregation is once again tasked not only with rebuilding but healing from the hurt this devastating act of violence has caused.
The reading from Hebrews for today, speaks to who we turn to in time of need: “15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested* as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
It's at times like this when we are tempted to move forward filled with anger and thoughts of retribution. Or to think we are somehow better, that we would never give into temptation. However, If we’re honest, we know the truth about ourselves, our vulnerabilities and weaknesses. And then we remember we are children of God, and followers of Christ, and the need to love and forgive those who would conduct such vicious attacks becomes apparent. Approaching sin from a place of humility is where Christ would want us to begin. In 1967, three days after Beth Israel was bombed, an interracial group of ministers marched down Old Canton Road to the temple as a show of sorrow and support. They called it the “Walk of Penance” to apologize for the environment of hatred that had resulted in the bombings. That hatred still persists.
The truth is, we’re all in need of mercy and grace at times like this. Mercy to forgive the thoughts that might not be so helpful, and grace for taking steps towards the work that will be required to repair the hurt and division this kind of hate creates.
It's hard to imagine the destruction one misguided, person can create or how someone’s mind and heart can become so twisted. It’s also hard to imagine the good one person can accomplish.
Matt Haig, a contributor to Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditations writes, “My friends, how about us trying to provide mutual care for one another? I read about the wisdom in some ancient Jewish writings known as the Talmud. ‘There it says that if someone is suffering and in need, and you can take away 1/60 of their pain, then that is goodness, and the call to help is from God. This is a powerful expression of our being salt ---- the perservers, the flavorers, the fertilizers-- of the earth.’” One person, you or I, can begin the road to healing, to forgiveness and then invite others to come along.
Faithfully,
Sally+
Question for Reflection – What is one thing you can do to begin to heal the division and hate in and among our community and the broader community at large? How can you be the “Salt?”