For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. — Ephesians 2:14.
St. Paul is talking about gentiles and jews. I wonder what he would think of us today? The divides are so great between men and women, black and white, gay and straight, Republicans and Democrats, the dividing walls are so, so many, and the hostility has reached a fevered pitch. I think like Paul, it’s not the divides that are so troubling as is the hostility. What are we to do?
Let’s begin by acknowledging that everyone is equal in God’s sight. Go to understanding that people have different views, and to disagree doesn’t mean we are enemies. Elect leaders whose rhetoric isn’t hostile, and throw our leaders whose rhetoric is divisive. Most importantly, teach our children the importance of human kindness and acceptance of all.
Joshua tore down the walls of Jericho with a blast of trumpets, let us tear down the dividing wall with a blast of the fresh air of gentleness.
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