Excerpt from Psalm 2

"Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain?  The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and the Lord's anointed."

Reflection by Donna Schaper

As I write, matters in Egypt unfold, like the emptying of an envelope filled with hurt and repression.  The rulers conspire, the people inspire, and all wonder where things will "end."  What happens to people who get fed up because they are not fed?  Will blood pour out in the streets, as well as justice?  Must blood pour for justice to be obtained?

I can't forget that Mubarak's guns were stamped with "Made in the USA."  Nor can I forget how easy it is to get a gun to use in Arizona against a congresswoman.  On Ground Hog Day, I saw my shadow. It was in these guns.

Rulers "set" themselves by their access to force.  What is the force of the Lord in contrast?  It is a belief in the arc of justice, coming like a great snowstorm, covering all things by quiet and the slow certainty of one snowflake falling and taking to the street.  It is as much a belief in non-violence as it is lack of access to the guns that protect and ensure violence.  It is a willingness to stand up to tanks, in Tiananmen Square, in Memphis, in Cairo. Tank power and gun power are not the equal of soul power.

Guns, finally, cannot prevail.  Justice can.  It is utter pragmatism.  When all are fed, there will be peace.  When all have respect, there will be peace.  When we say these things and mean them, with our bodies and our souls, justice has already arrived.

Prayer

O God, when we worrywart the wars, remind us of our power to stop them.  Amen.

About the Author Donna Schaper is Senior Minister of Judson Memorial Church, New York, New York.

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