Today in the Old Testament reading from Sirach (this Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time), we hear: “Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight…  Forgive your neighbor’s injustice…set enmity aside…” We are told in this wisdom book to cease nourishing anger against another, to be merciful, to remember our last days and to let go of hate: this is the way to expect healing, mercy and forgiveness from God. The Gospel parable today is a “mirror” expressing this, too—and a reminder as we ramp up in politics and opinion in our country; and as we fight the effects of the pandemic and social and economic injustice.

​Forgiveness given and forgiveness received are always the work of God’s grace. (Thank you, Rev Rohr!) Unearned and even undeserved forgiveness is necessary to break down the “quid pro quo” world we all know: it is where we have trade-offs, exchanges, and where one-hand-washing-the-other deals are made. True grace makes all things new; and nothing new can happen in those situations where forgiveness is needed and not extended. Without forgiveness we are doomed to just keep repeating the same old sin patterns: our illusions, half-truths, spinning the story, injustice, blaming and shaming, our self-lies, pride and prejudices, and our refusal to seek reconciliation.

“True Spirit-led forgiveness always frees and heals at least one of the parties involved, and hopefully both. True forgiveness also awakens and invites the hearts of others, most especially the offender. True forgiveness does not leave the offender feeling small and judged, but liberated and loved.” (Rev. Rohr) In today’s Gospel, Jesus’ parable teaches us this truth about forgiveness, love and grace. In any pain-filled situation we are called as disciples to always choose goodness: especially for that of the offender; in trusting that God’s goodness flows in all things and works through all situations.

So how to start the healing, how to forgive? I suggest we start with prayer—especially for those with whom you disagree on any or all issues. I have reprinted “The Five Finger Prayer” as a helpful guide to begin. In this time of social unrest, fear, division, sickness and strain—we can all use the prayers of and for each other.

Keep singing in your hearts!

Elizabeth Dyc

The Five-Finger Prayer

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as the great Christian writer C. S. Lewis once said, a “sweet duty.”

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach and instruct (especially at the start of this school year during this pandemic) and those who heal—especially all our first responders along with all teachers, doctors, priests, parents, pastors and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. In this time of toxic partisan division please pray for the president and all public servants; all leaders in business, industry and politics, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They all very much need God's guidance in order to lead us to justice and peace for all persons.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger (as any piano teacher will testify). It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, sick, sad, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As Scripture says, “The least shall be the greatest among you.” Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

We remember all God’s works in praying for others for God is as close as your own hand.

Today we hear that God appoints Ezekiel to be “watchman for the house of Israel.” We are all appointed to be so in this field of souls, also. God calls us to look out for each other—to be responsible for each other. Our first and last readings for this Twenty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time remind us of our responsibility to speak up against injustice and sin. In the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel the Lord says if “you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from his way, the wicked shall die of his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death.” Wow! Jesus in the Gospel has a “plan” for dealing with problems between people and lays out clearly the order you should follow in dealing with issues. He reminds us that what we do here binds us for always—we are bound by our own choices and called to responsibility for each other as Christians.

​The Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans today is a “re-do” of the Ten Commandments, with Jesus’ greatest commandment to love one another thrown into the mix. “Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” We are called to address any wrongs and do it lovingly—to be an encourager, not a critic or judge. How may we help ourselves and other persons to a reconciliation of our actions, our deeds and our words? It is so difficult…

We all know people who are entrenched in their partisan positions—and it seems that nothing we can say or do will change their perspective, their minds or their hearts—they are “right” and feel righteous and justified in their perspective and position. I looked up persuasion in Webster’s Dictionary: “to move by argument, entreaty and expostulation to a belief or course of action; to plead with…” Just try to just give anyone some food for thoughtful consideration regarding any hot-button social, religious, political or spiritual issue!

Sometimes, in conversation with others there is nothing, not one thing: not scientific fact, or personal experience, or intuition, or even Scripture that will be considered to maybe change hearts and minds and opinions. One would expect that maybe the source may be respected; but it (and we) may be ignored, even derided, certainly not listened to—and sadly, any persuasion falls flat. But here is the “crux” in these moments—as Christians we may not judge (not our role), and we need to remember the words of St. Paul today: “Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.”

In the Gospel today Jesus does give us a plan for speaking to someone about a sin (against you or others). He talks about a private discussion, then a discussion with others present to establish facts, and (hopefully) an outcome. (A Christian intervention!) It is so difficult though, to begin reconciliation for our own selves—let alone for anyone else!

But: when you see evil, witness evil, hear of evil, listen to evil, act evil—how do you choose to persuade others (or yourself) to a different path? In these times of division and partisan stance I believe the challenge is to stay away from judgment, to act in love and kindness, to appeal to someone’s better angels—and to trust God is working out His purpose in these difficult moments. Above all, however: is to always act in love.

Keep singing in your hearts!

Elizabeth Dyc

Just a Note: Here is a link to a filmed performance of the choir my son Elliott sings with professionally in New York City: The First Avenue Presbyterian Church (Choir). The performance was embedded in a livestreamed service (they are still attending only virtually) and it is cued as a part of their service—you can listen to the rest of the service if you choose—a good sermon from their pastor on true freedom (if you are interested). I include the link aside from my personal connection, because “Hark, I Hear” is a lovely choral piece of hope for us in these times. Elliott is in the second row (back) third from the right in this performance—frustratingly sometimes blocked by the conductor… Enjoy!

Hark I Hear: https://youtu.be/v_MTJKUhCSY?t=246