A House Divided

Then they brought to him a demoniac who was blind and mute; and he cured him, so that the one who had been mute could speak and see. All the crowds were amazed and said, ‘Can this be the Son of David?’ But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, ‘It is only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons, that this fellow casts out the demons.’ He knew what they were thinking and said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own exorcists cast them out? Therefore, they will be your judges. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property, without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be plundered. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Therefore, I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. Matthew 12:22-32

On this Memorial Day, I cannot help but wonder what all those who gave their lives for our freedom must think about us. We are so often selfish, spoiled and stubborn in our ways. We ridicule and abuse the refugees, we are rude and unkind to one another, and we all act as if it is everyone for themselves. We are not noble as our warriors were, willing to risk it all for tribe, family and nation. We think we can win by pushing our agenda so fiercely that hurt and offend even those who are allies. We are invited today, as we celebrate, to imagine what we can do to honor the memory of those who gave their all.

Wondrous Creator, heart of every nation

you have given us the power to be free

to live our lives and pray as we so chose

and to be showered with your abundance.

We too often take for granted our freedom

and waste our time on selfish pursuits

while there are others across our globe

who would love to know simple freedoms.

Help us to put aside our divisions and attitudes

so we might see the needs groaning near us

let us be those who are willing to offer ourselves

so the whole world might know freedom now. Amen.