Friday, December 7, 2001
Reread
Mark 11:15-19
On this day in history -
1965 - Pope Paul VI & Orthodox
Patriarch Athenagoras I simultaneously lift mutual excommunications
that led to split of the two churches in 1054.
Even though this event in 1965 happened, there are still struggles
between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions which
have not been overcome. The conversation continues.
Three questions Jesus "cleansing of the temple" brings
forth are 1) what is the role of violence and separation for
such a good cause as prayer? 2) when things have come to such
a dramatic impasse how can healing take place? and 3) is there
any room for compromise between the usual polarities of spirit
and world, peace and justice, prayer and profit?
I am struck by the constant need for a larger picture. It may
be instructive to listen to how the Pope and Patriarch ended
their Joint Declaration by going beyond their own authority and
doctrinal differences:
"At the
same time, we make an appeal that everyone will make a determined
effort to solve the current burning problem of ecology in order
to avoid the great risk threatening the world today due to the
abuse of resources that are God's gift.
"May the Lord heal the wounds
tormenting humanity today and hear our prayers and those of our
faithful for peace in our churches and in all the world."
Pope and Patriarch are on to something here.
We seem incapable of patching up our differences until there
is a larger threat. New threats can make old divisions uncouth.
In 1965 the "burning problem of ecology" was recognized
as a point that could lead to the healing of even 900-year-old
divisions. As I write this the United States' minority-elected
government is flaunting its disregard for global warming issues
in order to enhance business profits. This is a natural set up
for those who follow Jesus to again disrupt the economic temple.
Today we are called to see prayer and scripture made visible
in the environment.
What is your passion level for focusing on the evil of abusing
the resources that are GOD's gift and thus helping to heal any
number of divisions between us? I pray that as the wounds between
us are mended our earth will flourish and as we care for creation
the wounds between us will be healed.
Wesley White
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