Wouldn’t it be wonderful if someone found a way to establish world peace? The dream of most people would be realized. We could live without fear of other nations, and the money now being spent on arming the whole world could be directed to helping those in need. It might not be a utopia, but it would be good. That is the optimist in me speaking, but the realist raises questions. What are the terms of this peace? What must we concede? Possibly most importantly, who established this peace? What if this peace plan came from “the other side”? Could we accept good news if it came from someone we don’t like?
Our world is so divided today that we trust few people. We never trust those who we define as “other”, and there are many we define as other. In this Sunday’s gospel we see the original disciples of Jesus being upset because someone who is not part of their group was healing in the name of Jesus. It’s as if they believe they have an exclusive on the name and works of Jesus. Jesus, on the other hand, is not concerned. Jesus tells them to accept the validity of the good works of others.
Can we accept the good in our world without questioning the motives of those who do good?
Thanks be to God.
Pastor Bill