13 September 2020
Refrain from strife, and your sins will be fewer;
for the hot-tempered kindle strife,
and the sinner disrupts friendships
and sows discord among those who are at peace.
From Ecclesiasticus 27: 33 – 28:9 NRSV)
The Reading today labours the point about forgiveness and avoiding enmity with those around us – over and over again! As we look at the world today, there seems to be so much division. People seem quick to take sides – to take up a position and become very defensive when people disagree. Many seem to have lost the art of debate and discussion while maintaining mutual respect. Some seem to delight in upsetting people – breaking up relationships and friendships. Although written hundreds of years ago, the prophet’s words are as relevant to us as they were to those who first heard them.
- Where are you aware of conflict and discord – on the global scale but also more locally?
- How does avoiding conflicts in our own lives foster peace int he wider world?
As you watch or listen to the news and hear examples of conflict – entrenched positions – character assassination – pray some of the words of our reading – and pray for peace and respect between people.
