Some things must be broken

Fiona Reynolds January 28, 2021 0 1

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Matthew 18: 21-30 (NRSVA)

21 Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ 22 Jesus said to him, ‘Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.

23 ‘For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24 When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; 25 and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. 26 So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.” 27 And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow-slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, “Pay what you owe.” 29 Then his fellow-slave fell down and pleaded with him, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you.” 30 But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he should pay the debt.

When will the chains be broken, O God?

When will hurt people stop hurting others?

When will the wealthy stop exploiting the poor?

When will white supremacy recognise itself in the mirror, repent, and work for justice across the globe?

We do not like breaking things, God of wholeness,

we like things to be neat and tidy and perfect;

but some things need to be broken:

unseen, unacknowledged chains

of pain,

oppression,

injustice,

hopelessness…

these do not deserve to remain intact

whilst hearts, homes and futures break under their weight.

Give us curiosity, Creating God, to notice the chains that bind;

give us courage, Sustaining God, to speak truth to power;

give us compassion, Redeeming God, to love the broken-hearted back to life;

and give us the humility, Merciful God, to start with ourselves, AMEN.