[media presentation below] GospelThink Tuesday, July 4 MATTHEW 8:23-27 I want you to understand my words and actions. Prayerthoughts a. The violent storm may very well be symbolic of the actions of the world. Have I allowed myself to be completely overcome by the problems that are part of my life without even thinking that the Lord can help? b. When we realize the problems that overcome us and we finally cry out to the Lord, will I continue to turn to the Lord even after I receive the Lord’s help? c. In the different serious moments of my life, do I turn to the Lord, trusting that the Lord will really help me, and believe it with all of my heart? d. The Lord speaks to me his words to the apostles saying to us that we have little faith. Is my belief in God so real that it affects everything in my life? e. I am surrounded by the beauty (and sometimes violence) of creation. Do I allow that world to move me to praise my God? f. My prayerthoughts…   Today, I will read Genesis, chapter 19, and write an  important thought from it. Some Thoughts on the Liturgy  WHAT SORT OF MAN IS THIS?  + The question of the Gospel is a good one to think about for a while:           “What sort of man is this?”           – of course, for the apostles who were asking the question,                      – it was one of strong significance                                – they were in the process of choosing to give up everything in order to follow this man                                – they had already given up their work and families in order to pursue the ministry that he was suggesting                                – they were beginning to get the idea of what the Kingdom of God that he preached was all about                                          – and so, they really wanted to know what kind of man he was—what made him tick, why he said and did the things that he said and did  + For us, knowing and believing already that Jesus is the Son of God both human and divine, it means something different           – for us, “what kind of man is this” is a question about his teaching and his life                      – as guide for our spiritual lives, what are the virtues that he shows that we should imitate                                – what are the words that we should truly listen to more than any other words that we hear all the time  + And, of course, there are many such virtues and many such sayings as recorded in the Scriptures           – today a couple of them presented by the liturgy for our consideration           – 1 – from the first reading and the book of Genesis, we hear of God’s consideration of one good person                      – Lot asks of God to be protected from the justifiable wrath of God                                – and God answers his prayers                      – Jesus gave us a different image of God in the New Testament, namely a God who has compassion on the people                                – but even the rather severe God of the Old Testament has consideration for the truly good people–as Lot was                                – giving rise to the thought: as long as we are truly trying to do the right thing, the Lord will be part of our lives                                          – Jesus spoke constantly about people who were trying to do what was right, and how the Lord was with them           -2 – and from the Gospel, Jesus tells us to trust in him, a rather common theme in the Gospels                      – “Why are you frightened” he asks of the apostles                                – urging them on to greater faith and trust in him                      – this is a virtue that is not at all easy                                – because we really want to depend on ourselves and to trust what we can accomplish                                          – but Jesus here and elsewhere tells us to depend on God’s providence and at the same time to keep working for what we know is right  + What sort of man is this?           – he is the Son of God who counsels us in the liturgy today                      – to keep trying to do the things that makes us good, and the Lord will continue to be with us                      – and to keep trusting in God’s help, even as we do the best that we can. MEDIA PRESENTATION Movie: “Selma” — beginning session I MUST CONTINUE The Gospel LUKE 13:31-33 At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose. Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.’”

Gospelthink: I did not want to give up my ministry before my time, even though I was in danger. What church ministry should I be involved in?

After Martin Luther King Jr. received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, he decided that peaceful non-violent confrontations were the only way to bring about true integration of the South. In particular, he was interested in removing the restrictions that had been placed on black voters. They had already received the right to vote in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, but the restrictions were still present, in effect, blocking them from voting. He and the leaders of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) decided that the best way to do it was by organized non-violent marches, all of which are shown in the movie “Selma.” King emphasized that the black marchers and their supporters were to negotiate, demonstrate, and resist but were to go no further with any violence. The intention was to raise white consciousness by media exposure.

Perhaps there is no greater human temptation than to “get back at” people that have in some way hurt us or our families. But Jesus’ directive to show no revenge (Matthew 5:39) is very clear and therefore sets up the truly Christian way of acting when we are hurt. Jesus not only said it, but he acted it out. In Luke’s Gospel, when he is told that Herod wanted to kill him, he defiantly resisted what Herod wanted, but he did it with no thought of being revengeful. Martin Luther King Jr. knew the mind of Jesus Christ. He knew that the true Christian would not seek revenge, but that did not mean that he could not resist in a non-violent way in order to negotiate for that which was right. He told his supporters that they were to negotiate, demonstrate and resist, but they were not to fight back. You and I are given two lessons here by Martin Luther King Jr. who was guided by Jesus. One is that of working for what is right, but secondly, that we do it in a non-violent manner. Generally speaking, it is a difficulty for our human natures because we are almost naturally inclined to seek an “eye for an eye.” Our Christian heritage calls for us to work for peace in whatever way we can except by the use of violence. It is a lesson that most nations must still learn, even those who call themselves “Christian.” More importantly, it is a directive that every Christian must make part of their lives.

PRAYER Good and gracious God, in many ways we are violent people, and need to listen more closely to Your Son who never calls us to revenge. Give us the grace to truly understand the message of non-violence. Be with us, we pray.

+++++ GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT Theme: Nonviolence is the only way to bring about true peace, but it is difficult because the desire to retaliate is very strong in the human being.   DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: (session: approximately 60 minutes) 1. What scene during this session of the movie was most striking to you? Why? 2.The presenter may want to offer an historical reflection on Herod and his family. 3. It is clear from the Gospel passage that Jesus will allow nothing to stand in the way of following what God wants in his life. In general, in today’s world, what does it mean to follow God’s will? 4. In the Gospel, only when Jesus goes to Jerusalem will he accomplish his task in life. What do you think Jesus wanted to do most of all while he was here on earth?  5. It is a fact that many Christians do not follow Jesus’ directive to show no revenge. In your experience, where have you seen best enacted Jesus’ desire for his followers to show no revenge? 6.The presenter may want to give a presentation on why the Jewish law allowed an “eye for an eye.”  7. In your opinion, why is the achievement of true peace such a difficult undertaking? 8. In your opinion, does your country have a problem with segregation even today? Yes or no and why? 9. What can be done about the violence that exists with racist crimes? 10. Scene analysis: J. Edgar Hoover talking to President Johnson. As presented by the movie, both were wrong in their desire to hurt Martin Luther King Jr.. What can be done when the highest authority in the land is wrong? 11. Character analysis: Coretta Scott King. Considering what the movie presents, describe her role with respect to the work of her husband. 12. Scene analysis: King calls on Mahalia Jackson to “inspire” him. How can music help in life situations? 13. Scene analysis: King’s sermons. He used his sermons to accomplish his goals. In general, what should a sermon accomplish in today’s world? 14. Scene analysis: One of the non-violent demonstrators “fights back.” This is the “natural” reaction to violence toward a person. In general, do you think that non-violence can be accomplished in today’s world? Yes or no and why? 15. Analysis: the group called “Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee” were not in agreement with King and his movement. How strong is “jealousy” even among people who are trying to do good? 16. Analysis: Malcolm X and his violent opposition. In general, did “the violent approach” help the non-violence in the fight for integration? Yes or no and why? 17. Scene analysis: King’s argument with President Johnson, refusing to “compromise.” In your opinion, could King have accomplished his goals if he had tried to work a little more with President Johnson? Yes or no and why?