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Week Twelve, Day Two

Matthew 21:1-11

Before we leave this passage behind, it is important that we understand the contrast that Jesus is trying to create between the power and empire that he came to establish and the power and empire embodied by Rome. His disciples participated in Palm Sunday, but they missed the point. That seems to be as true then and now.

Back then, they thought the triumphant entry into Jerusalem heralded Jesus overthrowing the Roman Empire and establishing Israel’s independence. Even after his death and resurrection, the disciples ask Jesus, “Will you NOW restore the kingdom to Israel?” They were anxious that Jesus punish their enemies and give them what they deserve. They also were looking forward to their own coming to power and being rewarded.

That brand of religion swept like wild fire across America in the wake of the tragic events of 9/11. Even now one of the Christian radio stations in Dallas prays every day for “our troops,” while never praying for peace, or for our enemies, or for the countless innocent victims of our war. Civic religion is regarded as orthodox Christianity by many, if not most, Americans.

If you are reading this, you have probably rejected that brand of Christianity, but I wonder how we will ever escape our expectation that if we are good God will reward us, and if we are bad we will be punished. How will we ever eradicate the secret wondering if somehow God is punishing us every time something bad happens?

The Reign of God that Jesus rode into town to bring is still far from what we pray will come on earth as it is in heaven. This Realm—where the rich are poor and the last are first—is not what our religion is all about. We may not ask God to annihilate our enemies, but our faith is still often about being rewarded and avoiding punishment. Jesus didn’t come to give us power and reward, nor to put down and overthrow our enemies. Jesus came to create a reign where the lion lays down with the lamb in our hearts and peace comes to earth in our world. They didn’t get that. Do we?

Blessings,

Michael Piazza
President, Hope for Peace & Justice

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