Picking Up Stones

Jesus said, “Whoever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not from God.”
The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is one who seeks it and he is the judge. Very truly, I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.” The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, and so did the prophets; yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.’ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets also died. Who do you claim to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, he of whom you say, ‘He is our God,’ though you do not know him. But I know him; if I would say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him and I keep his word. Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad.” Then the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. John 8:47-59 

Picking Up Stones

Dear God of every party and persuasion
we live in a time where anger turns violent
when fear and anxiety brandish weapons
where what has transpired has caused riots.

We are all prone to picking up stones
we want to lash out at what we fear
we want to hurt others when we are hurt
you know how frightened we truly are.

Draw us together as tender humans
let our fears seek peace rather than hate
make us see the hurt in others' eyes
let us feel our neighbors' trembling heart.

Remodel us into compassionate people
move us with kindness towards all
change our attitude and our isolation
so that Your love might flow through us. Amen.