Why doesn't he just get a job? She's having kids just for the welfare. He's here illegally, why should he be helped? How easy it is to blame the one in need for their circumstances. While it may be true that some people abuse the systems in place for assistance, this is a very small percentage. Most are seeking what we all seek- daily work, shelter, food, and a loving family. In the above Bible verse, there were some who wanted to blame the Galileans who tragically lost their lives in an act of violence against them perpetrated by the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate. They must have done something wrong, right? Their "sin" must be greater than average, otherwise, why would that have happened to them? It's similar to the idea that was once held that sickness was a result of sin, or physical disability was a result of sin. When we don't understand something, especially when it's quite different than our understanding or lifestyle, we tend to judge the other as wrong or at fault. But Jesus rejects this idea, placing the emphasis upon the common need we all have for repentance. We're all part of the human family. Instead of pointing the finger at the individual, let's take a wider view and look at what has led to the situation the person finds themselves in. As Pastor Cummings writes, "Who is really responsible for this injustice? And how can we together build the power to change it?"
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
24th day of Lent- Luke 13:1-5
"At that very time there were some present
who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with
their sacrifices. 2 He
asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this
way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did." Luke 13:1-3
Why doesn't he just get a job? She's having kids just for the welfare. He's here illegally, why should he be helped? How easy it is to blame the one in need for their circumstances. While it may be true that some people abuse the systems in place for assistance, this is a very small percentage. Most are seeking what we all seek- daily work, shelter, food, and a loving family. In the above Bible verse, there were some who wanted to blame the Galileans who tragically lost their lives in an act of violence against them perpetrated by the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate. They must have done something wrong, right? Their "sin" must be greater than average, otherwise, why would that have happened to them? It's similar to the idea that was once held that sickness was a result of sin, or physical disability was a result of sin. When we don't understand something, especially when it's quite different than our understanding or lifestyle, we tend to judge the other as wrong or at fault. But Jesus rejects this idea, placing the emphasis upon the common need we all have for repentance. We're all part of the human family. Instead of pointing the finger at the individual, let's take a wider view and look at what has led to the situation the person finds themselves in. As Pastor Cummings writes, "Who is really responsible for this injustice? And how can we together build the power to change it?"
Why doesn't he just get a job? She's having kids just for the welfare. He's here illegally, why should he be helped? How easy it is to blame the one in need for their circumstances. While it may be true that some people abuse the systems in place for assistance, this is a very small percentage. Most are seeking what we all seek- daily work, shelter, food, and a loving family. In the above Bible verse, there were some who wanted to blame the Galileans who tragically lost their lives in an act of violence against them perpetrated by the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate. They must have done something wrong, right? Their "sin" must be greater than average, otherwise, why would that have happened to them? It's similar to the idea that was once held that sickness was a result of sin, or physical disability was a result of sin. When we don't understand something, especially when it's quite different than our understanding or lifestyle, we tend to judge the other as wrong or at fault. But Jesus rejects this idea, placing the emphasis upon the common need we all have for repentance. We're all part of the human family. Instead of pointing the finger at the individual, let's take a wider view and look at what has led to the situation the person finds themselves in. As Pastor Cummings writes, "Who is really responsible for this injustice? And how can we together build the power to change it?"
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It is difficult not to look at the choices people make and feel like they deserve consequences for their decisions. Even for ourselves, we acknowledge that our mistakes are opportunities for learning. This "Don't judge, just Love" graphic is where our hearts should be. Rev. Cummings also says "don't blame the victims."
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