Justice, Reconciliation, and Peace
Last week I wrote about the sin of racism and some other behaviors associated with racism and prejudice. Equally sinful and misguided is the sin of revenge.
Not many people speak of vengeance or revenge as the motivation behind their violent, disrespectful and damaging words and behaviors toward others. In the confessional I hear: “I hit my sister,” “I hit my brother,” “I yelled back at my parents,” “I told gossip about my former friend,” etc. I do not often here that revenge was the motivation, but I think this is often the case.
Some people hold grudges for injuries which occurred in the past. While they hold these grudges they are unable to control their desire for vengeance. Perhaps, the revenge does not happen in just a single act of violence, but instead the person seeks vengeance in a series of small betrayals, lies, and deceptions. This kind of revenge creates very stressful home, work, school, or social environments.
Courage, humility, and mercy are the solutions for a vengeful heart. We must pray for and practice these characteristics in order to overcome the powerful attraction toward “getting even.” Forgiving and being forgiven, together with mercy, will help us to overcome the temptation. With forgiveness we have a chance to terminate the cycle of violence and vengeance.
Jesus is our example in every case. He was betrayed, unfairly accused, and misinterpreted many, many times. Still, we do not see even one instance in which he seeks to harm those who are opposed to him. In fact, when others tried to defend him with violence, Jesus responded with a healing touch (see incident of Peter cutting off servant’s ear – Luke 22:50), and repeated that those who live by the sword will die by it (Matthew 26:52).
Ultimately, even though he was innocent, Jesus is condemned to death. He receives the violence and vengeance of others, of the whole world and all of history, and he lets it pass through him. He takes away its power. He does not pass along the hatred, suspicion, envy, and violence to anyone else.
Violence begets violence. Vengeance does not “even up” the score. Vengeance is not a path to justice. Only the way of Jesus, the Christ will lead us to justice, reconciliation, and peace.
Peace, Fr. Andy