The Pharisees were upset about Jesus continually challenging them. They “plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech.” They construed a dilemma, a choosing of sides – or so they thought, between God and Caesar.
Rulers like to trap people in conflicts. They like to trap people into taking sides in conflicts. Shall we take sides in the war between Russia and Ukraine? Shall we do so in the war between Israel and Hamas/Palestinians? There are conflicts between Ethiopia and Eritrea, Sudan and Somalia, Saudia Arabia and Yemen. There are conflicts between warriors inside nations; forces fighting for the state and those fighting for rebels. Whose side shall we take in the sides War Lords endlessly cause? Let us take the side of the people – all the people, no matter their side. Let us take the side of those people whose family members are killed, whose days and nights are made a hell on earth, whose lives and neighborhoods and communities are destroyed. Yes, it matters who instigates violence. In some cases, the instigators are invaders and violated people resist as best they can. Resistance is a necessary action to save lives but need not be violent. However, rulers tempt people toward violent resistance. As odd as it seems, rulers want those they oppress to become soldiers, violent in response. It is the skill they master and know how to use to defeat an enemy. Also, doing so confirms for the War Lords the justification of their violence. Rulers dangle violent resistance as a heroic choice within an either/or dilemma the rulers contrive. Resistors, even nonviolent ones, are operating in reaction to violent rulers who are forever controlling a violent agenda. All fighters, no matter their side, are on the one same side. It is the armed side, the side the ruling weapons manufacturers have cast for them. We who are not scrambling for our lives, and even we who are, have only one side to take, the side of peacemaking that ends warmaking and the plunder gained from it.
“Come you masters of war You that build all the guns You that build the death planes… You that hide behind desks I just want you to know I can see through your masks. You that never done nothin’ But build to destroy You play with my world Like it’s your little toy You put a gun in my hand… A world war can be won You want me to believe But I see through your eyes…You fasten the triggers For the others to fire Then you set back and watch When the death count gets higher. You hide in your mansion As young people’s blood Flows out of their bodies And is buried in the mud… How much do I know To talk out of turn You might say that I’m young You might say I’m unlearned… Let me ask you one question Is your money that good Will it buy you forgiveness Do you think that it could I think you will find When your death takes its toll All the money you made Will never buy back your soul… And your death’ll come soon I will follow your casket In the pale afternoon And I’ll watch while you’re lowered Down to your deathbed And I’ll stand o’er your grave ’Til I’m sure that you’re dead.” (Masters of War – Bob Dylan)
Prayer: Beautiful Spirit, we vow to do all we can in our world to be compassionate peacemakers.
Question: What is my agenda for not setting traps but for making peace?
October 22, 2023 Gospel Matthew 22:15-21 Twenty Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time