A Good Sign

I have been walking a lot this summer. A lot. In a subsequent post I may reflect on the what and the why of it. But not today.

During my walks, I have seen a lot of yard signs. A lot. One in particular seems most significant.

I saw signs thanking health care workers and first responders. There were signs celebrating young people who graduated from high school. Of late yards sported signs supporting candidates for office and positions on propositions. Many neighbors are displaying signs professing their beliefs. (I have been trying to find a way to display the Athanasian Creed on a yard sign but am having trouble with the font size.)

My favorite sign had a silhouette of Martin Luther King, Jr. with this quote. “Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

That’s good. That’s significant.

It is actually part of a longer quote from his Christmas Day sermon in 1957. The longer quote is, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” (The whole quote is probably too long for a yard sign.)

This is significant for The Church, its churches and church people. It comes, of course, from the very will of Jesus. He said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

We live in a fear filled, anxiety-ridden, frustrating and frustrated, exasperating and exasperated time. People are on edge and edgy. We are ready to blast or blame politicians, scientists, teachers, policemen, Democrats, Republicans, the media (which ever one represents the other side), those who wear masks, those who won’t wear masks, protesters, rioters or most anyone who crosses our path.

This is not the way of Christ or his people.

Light in the depth of darkness. Love in face of hate.

This is the only way.

“Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” M.L.K.

So far during my walks that is the most significant sign I’ve seen. * And it gives a significant direction for The Church, its churches and church people.

What has seemed significant to you this week?

*Of course, with the exception of the cross, which proclaims the same message and provides the power to do so..