Put Your Sword Back

While he 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

We love to watch superheroes battle it out, and hobbits who fight against great odds and win. But the truth of violence is that it simply begets more violence. We too often idolize our warriors and ignore the peacemakers and those who quietly feed and change to world. Even when his betrayer brought soldiers and officials to arrest him, Jesus would not authorize retribution. We humans are prone to violence and not always as a last resort. Yet the way of Jesus, the way of love calls us to forgive and make peace whenever we can. May we trust in God's love and not our own might today.

Loving Creator, you give us hearts of compassion

minds which can seek and find tough resolutions

hands which can rebuild the shattered communities

and voice to speak up and to share your love.

We too often resort to anger, revenge and violence 

we see danger on every street of our great cities

we assume the worst and behave like scared animals

yet you call us to trust in you and put down the swords.

Let us all turn to you in all our daily challenges

make us more ready to pray than to lash out

give us forgiving and creative hearts and minds

so your love might dwell in all our communities. Amen.