Counter Talk

We would all agree that evil is to be rejected and overcome; the only question is, how? How can we stand against evil without becoming a mirror—but denied—image of the same? That is often the heart of the matter, and in my experience is resolved successfully by a very small portion of people, even though it is quite clearly resolved in the life, death and teaching of Jesus.
[Jesus gives us] a totally different way of dealing with evil—absorbing it in God (which is the real meaning of the suffering body of Jesus) instead of attacking it outside. It is undoubtedly the most counterintuitive theme of the entire Bible.
– Richard Rohr

Sometimes ideas have to simmer, especially when truth whispers of insights that don’t necessarily follow society’s norms. Whispers can have an advantage over emphatic ideas because otherwise they have an especially hard time being heard over barriers of “supposed to” and “should be.” Counterintuitive ideas have to be allowed to rest and rise. On Holy Saturday, we are called to wait and keep vigil. In our Easter world, it is quite illogical to be still when so many preparations are needed for the day we know is fast approaching. And what logical mind would recommend that one deals with evil by allowing God to absorb it? What was Rohr thinking? Interestingly, a completely different tradition offers similar advice. Aikido is a martial art, but one whose aim is peace not fighting. This is a healing art that embraces conflict. Its intention is not to conquer and overcome, but to prevail without perpetuating the cycle of violence. A healing art that embraces conflict? Don’t strike back at evil on the outside? Absorb and transform?
“Be powerful without strength; then grow in potential.”
It’s no wonder these are whispers of tension, if they were blurted out in public, what would people think?

My prayer for the congregation?

Gracious God, allow our hearts and minds to be transformed during this time of rest and vigil. On a day when everything has been said, desperate actions taken, and with a realization of our consequences, we wait and come to realize that left to our own devices, we are ruined. If we know that the status quo has not brought us redemption, then this could be a perfect day, as we wait, to consider new manners and listen to the quieter counterintuitive voices. There is tension in the air. We can embrace it, absorb it and use it. Let our strength rise in character, will, devotion and compassion. Amen.