Excerpt from Matthew 23:29-36

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous, and you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.'"

Reflection by Felix Carrion

Even the scribes and Pharisees engaged in "Monday morning quarterbacking" and "hindsight is 20/20" claims. According to them, had they been around when the prophets were killed they would have had no part of it. They are pretty sure of this.

Although the exchange in this passage is between Jesus and the scribes and Pharisees, its larger context has to do with the treatment of the early converts to Jesus at the hands of the spiritual authorities. The writer of this passage knows that their present-day actions betray their claims of innocence. Even as the ink dries the gospel reminds the readers of what happened to Jesus and of the attacks against the apostles and missionaries of the early church at the hands of some of the religious leaders.

When watch documentaries about the Civil Rights marches and am inspired by the courage and determination of the marchers, I would like to think that had I been old enough to be there I would have been one of them. But how can I know for sure what I would have done?

The only way to know whether or not a "hindsight is 20/20" claim is true is to judge by what one does today. When folks are persecuted, tortured and kill today because of their religious, gender, ethnic and/or sexual orientation and identity, in our country and around the world, where are we and what are we doing about it? We are reminded by the text that beginning with Abel through the present day there is no lack of betrayal and violence.

We have the opportunity now to show up, to make our voices heard, and to break the long chain.

Prayer

O God, judge whether or not my claims and actions are true, and please let me know what you see. Speak in my heart your truth about me, and grant me the fortitude to do the right thing. Amen.

About the Author Felix Carrion is Coordinator of The Stillspeaking Ministry, United Church of Christ.

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