John 2:15 Making a whip of
cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the
cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and
overturned their tables.
The number of things I find to be
outraged about on a daily basis sometimes overwhelms me. In the wash of
conflict that comes through my news feed and social media, I am often
tempted to give up, to give in to silence and apathy. What we say (and
do not say) matters.
Silence and apathy are expressions of hopelessness. Instead of giving
up hope, I do my best to speak out of the hope that change will come. I
do my best to make my own whip of cords—sometimes speaking out on social
media about my concerns, marching in demonstrations, voting as often as
possible, debating with my friends about our world and what’s happening
in it. Small things, yes, but I hope some of the tables are overturned
when I’m done. Jesus reminds us that sometimes we have to overturn the
tables that stand in the way of justice, peace, and mercy.
Almighty God, you have created us in your own image: Grant us grace
fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace with oppression;
and, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in
the maintenance of justice in our communities and among the nations, to
the glory of your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
