Put Back Your Sword

While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him.” At once he came up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you are here to do.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. Suddenly, one of those with Jesus put his hand on his sword, drew it, and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But all this has taken place, so that the scriptures of the prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. Matthew 26:47-56 (NRSV)

Put Back Your Sword

O God of the mighty and defenseless
we live in a world divided and angry
there are troops in our city's streets
and we fear the escalating violence.

We are like small children wanting heroes
we ache to be avenged for all the wrongs
we want romantic love to conquer all
while we build walls and shun others.

You have called us to the holy time
you have invited us to be the healers
you have made us strong in our gentleness
and your sacred love will find a solution.

Let us be the servants of peace today
help us put away all weapons and anger
let all our words and actions be love
so the world will know your peace today. Amen