In the First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Peter reminds the people that they chose a murderer to be released rather than Jesus. The murderer was Barabbas, a man who was a revolutionary in defiance of Roman authority. Because Jesus made them feel uncomfortable, rather than choose the man who advocated for us to take care of one another, the people chose a man who they knew had killed and would likely kill again (although, hopefully not any of their family or friends) because he rebelled against authority.
As I looked across the congregation at my church today, I saw that most of the people--people with deep religious convictions, like those Peter was addressing--were making the same decision as had been made in the past. Less than a tenth (I would guess closer to a twentieth) of the people at church were wearing masks despite the facts that mask-wearing is requested (although, obviously not required) and that cases have been on the rise in our area this past week. Some refuse to wear masks as a rebellion against authority, and some because wearing the masks is uncomfortable. Thus, these people who claim to follow Christ are choosing Barabbas.
However, like Peter, I still love them anyway. Many of them are following political ideologues who have deliberately spread misinformation as a way to grasp more power--often themselves misunderstanding the damage that they bring. As Peter says, I know they "... acted out of ignorance, just as your leaders did … ." I just wish that people who claim to be Christian would start to behave more like Christ.
As I looked across the congregation at my church today, I saw that most of the people--people with deep religious convictions, like those Peter was addressing--were making the same decision as had been made in the past. Less than a tenth (I would guess closer to a twentieth) of the people at church were wearing masks despite the facts that mask-wearing is requested (although, obviously not required) and that cases have been on the rise in our area this past week. Some refuse to wear masks as a rebellion against authority, and some because wearing the masks is uncomfortable. Thus, these people who claim to follow Christ are choosing Barabbas.
However, like Peter, I still love them anyway. Many of them are following political ideologues who have deliberately spread misinformation as a way to grasp more power--often themselves misunderstanding the damage that they bring. As Peter says, I know they "... acted out of ignorance, just as your leaders did … ." I just wish that people who claim to be Christian would start to behave more like Christ.
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