In the Book of Revelation, John of Patmos has a vision of a “new earth,” for the “former earth had passed away.” Currently there are persons who misinterpret the book and believe their destructive God will set them in rule over the ‘new earth.’ The rulers will be justified in making ‘former sinners pass away.’ The misinterpretations include John writing that the “new earth” is happening “soon,” “now” – but the book was written 2,000 years ago. Too, they ignore Jesus saying in the Gospel changes are happening “soon” – again, 2,000 years ago. As well, the new earth is not based on destruction but on Jesus’ witness to “love one another as I have loved you.”
Self-titled Christians pining for past rule or awaiting and even planning future destruction are rejecting Christ Jesus’ ever-present loving witness. Some self-titled Christians harken to a past white supremacist rule and are planning for a future white supremacist rule that will be destructive. They are putting into practice their justification of ‘making former sinners pass away.’ So it is a white supremacist ‘christian’ went to Tops Friendly Market in Buffalo and murdered as many Black people as he could. The 18-year-old white male believed his Godly rule was being threatened by the Great Replacement Theory. But the theory is a destructive white supremacist invention justifying them making sinner Blacks ‘pass away.’ Critical Race Theory attempts to understand the destructiveness of white supremacy. One of its primary authors was NYU Law Professor Derrick Bell, who was inspired by Jesus and his witness of love. Bell realized after winning important court cases that the courts and other institutions will not provide “equality for blacks when the remedy sought threatens the superior social status of… whites.” Critical Race Theory understands “systemic racism is part of American society.” “It is embedded in laws, policies, and institutions that uphold and reproduce racial inequalities.” Racism is destructive, crafted by white supremacists who want to rule nonwhites and make them “pass away,” certainly not love them. White supremacist self-titled ‘christians’ are Judas. As today’s Gospel reveals, it is immediately after Jesus addresses Judas’ impending betrayal that Jesus tells disciples to “love one another.” Jesus leaves no plan for destructive rule but does plan to be replaced by people who will be more loving, especially with more Judas.’ Disciples will thus ‘will do greater things than he.’ Jesus is evolutionary in understanding how disciples will continue to love. Jesus is also – active, energetic, vigorous for love, now, in this moment. Can we be?
“(W)e as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values… This (is a) call for a worldwide (community) that lifts neighborly concern beyond one’s tribe, race, class, and nation… a call for an all-embracing and unconditional love for all… When I speak of love I am not speaking of some sentimental and weak response… I am speaking of… ultimate reality… beautifully summed up… “Let us love one another, for love is God… If we love one another, God dwells in us”… Let us hope that this spirit will become the (spirit) of the day.” “These are revolutionary times.” “Love is the ultimate (power) against… evil… We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now… Now let us begin.” (Dr. Martin Luther King)
Prayer: Spirit, we are empowered to love one another, now!
Question: What is our agency in this moment? Are we agents of love?
May 15, 2022 Gospel John 13:31-35 Fifth Sunday of Easter