Believing

When Jesus entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. “What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.” Matthew 21:23-32

Some of us have a hard time trusting others. Lack of trust can look like smugness, silliness or arrogance. Most often it comes from a place of trauma and deep hurt. It is simply easier to believe that people are out to do you harm, since that has been your experience. Jesus is being tested by the religious elite who were faithful because it was easy for them. Yet Jesus pointed to those who had been harmed by others - the poor, the outcasts, the sick and the defiled - as those who were true believers. Their suffering had been relieved and they would follow him. May we who have suffered and been healed and relieved of our suffering,  reach out to those who are still suffering.

Gracious and loving Creator, source of healing

you light permeates the deepest darkness

and breaks through the scars and the pain

walk with is today as we seek to serve.

May our fears and our wall be put aside

and may we know others with your compassion

may our faith be a beacon and a guide for others

to bring healing and light to this world. Amen.