“Save me, O God, by the power of your name, and defend me by your might. O God, hear my prayer; listen to my supplication. The insolent rise to attack me; the ruthless seek my life; they have no regard for God.”
Psalm 54: 1-2
Social media and the news contain threats of violence for this week as the day for the Inauguration draws near. Those of us who have churches not far from state Capital Buildings are correctly concerned and worried about that violence. Violence tends to spill over and harm others within its reach.
Faith leaders are struggling to know how to respond, what to do, what not to do if violence breaks out. We are called to be peacemakers, but how is that to be done? We are unsure. And so, we turn to God and beg for inspiration and guidance.
It does seem as if there is no way to avoid the coming violence, and yet, I find myself wanting desperately for the news and social media to be wrong. I find myself sickened by the violence that has already befallen our country. Nevertheless, there are people in this country who have no qualms about using violence to … to do something. I am no longer sure even what it is that the violent ones hope to accomplish. Their agenda seems to be to keep this president in power, but there is something else going on for them. Something I do not understand.
There is hate in their eyes.
And so, my beloved ones, let us pray fiercely this week, turning to God in hope. As psalm 54 concludes:
“But God is my helper, the one who sustains my life. May their own evil recoil on those who slander me. Silence them by your truth, O God. I will offer you a willing sacrifice and praise your name, for it is good. God has rescued me from every trouble, and I have seen the defeat of my enemies.” Amen.
Bishop Kedda
Bishop Kedda 