Ordinary Time

February 11, 2023

Scripture Reading:

Matthew 5:21-37

You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. –Matthew 5:21-37

I have been working on a document,” How to Talk to a Legislator,” and I realized that there is no difference in how we talk to a legislator as there is to talk to anyone. First, we must recognize who and what they are. We speak differently to a child than to an adult, to a person who is hard of hearing, and to someone whose expertise is different from ours.  

Anger has its place; Jesus ran the moneychangers out of the Temple area with a whip (John 2:15). In most discussions, anger can be more destructive than helpful in discourse. Our messages are better received when we tell our story succinctly and personally. My niece is pregnant, and the hospital in her hometown has told her there will be no room for her to deliver her baby when it is due. The next closest hospital is 30 miles away. In fact, I know people who must travel over 100 miles to find a hospital for any service. We, the people, through our legislative process, really need to address the lack of health care in rural areas to provide for the Common Good.

Our discourse as a people has turned raw. We do not listen or hear what is trying to be shared. Too often, we lack the understanding and care about what another is trying to communicate, which can end up in violence and even murder.

Prayer: Open our hearts to hearing and understanding the needs of people. Help us express our own needs to be better understood, and help us to strive for common ground to provide for the Common Good. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.