"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience." (Romans &nbs;3:1-5)
At the start of any academic year or semester, teachers and students return from a potentially relaxed schedule and environment to one with specific rules, guidelines, goals, objectives, expectations, and structures. Even through the imparting of knowledge, the assignment of papers, and the administering of tests and grades, a modicum of discipline is imposed within and outside of the classroom.
As a volunteer for the year-round New Jersey state house tour program, I explain to student and adult groups about the art, architecture, and history of the state house as well as the importance of laws and the process by which they come about. I inform them of the options available to them in being a part of the law-making process by communicating with their representatives of any changes, additions, or subtractions they believe should be made for the good of their immediate communities and their state in general. Further, I stress that we as people within this nation and state, whether as visitors or as residents, must be accountable in responsibly abiding by the laws as they presently are or be willing to deal with the resulting circumstances or penalties. I also emphasize the vital power we as residents have through the power of the vote.
The Ten Commandments, which were given to Moses which he subsequently rendered to those who followed him out of the Egyptian Pharaoh’s tyranny, serve as a touchstone for laws for an organized society. They endeavored to define man’s subservience and reverence to God, to set out a familial hierarchy, and to admonish harmonious respect between individuals' lives, property, and relationships. While much has evolved in world and cultural history and thought since those tablets were first issued (and the issues that have arisen from them), there still resounds today a fundamental truth to them, which sadly has mud mockingly slung upon them publicly on a daily basis. Outward and subtle bullying, demeaning insults, acrimonious words, and horrifying violence seem to have become acceptable behaviors in our present world, no matter the age, stage, or station of the actors or victims. Such righteous aggression has inspired some to make violent, disastrous, life-ending choices of suicide or homicide. People of all levels of visibility and influence with a desire to use religion as a way of justifying their judgmental, ostracizing ethics and verbiage against those who they do not feel are in sync with their version of God's love and intentions have received more than their 15 minutes of focused attention. I often wonder if such offenders truly walk in the moccasins of their targeted parties before they unleash their chosen abuse; "no" is the answer at which I tend to arrive most often.
To me, three simple words help me to endeavor to guide me within the parameters of civic and spiritual laws – above all, respect. Christ commanded us to love God and to love one another without defining the restrictions, conditions, or exceptions of the recipients. God's love is available to all of us in the human race through each of us as his instruments of peace. These are simple commandments whose execution can at times be quite challenging and require much strength and patience, but the amiable end results can prove to be rewarding and inspiring.
Dear Lord, Please help us to weigh the impact of our words and actions before we execute them. Remind us that our choices are direct reflections of ourselves, and guide us to options that show that your unconditional, peaceful love dwells within us and is available to all we encounter in life. In Thy precious name we pray, Amen.
Contributed by Kenneth
Monday November 02, 2015
Liturgical Year B: Week 49
Liturgical Color: Green
Sunday Gospel reading: Proper26
Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost