A Response to Fearmongering

Well, people are writing with fear and panic underlying their comments and articles in the face of the federal sanctioning of same-sex marriages.

Why?

We are people of hope, not doomsayers or fearmongers.

Christ has already triumphed over sin and death. We are  not called to focus on disasters, on evil, on sin. Christ commanded us to refrain from condemnation and judgment so  we will not be judged and condemned by our Master. Our mandate is simple; allow the Light of Christ to grow ever more brightly within us, especially as the darkness deepens. Then we will be a light unto the world. He will conquer darkness through us. We are simply channels of truth, light and mercy. This is the central message of the New Testament.

Pope Francis

I think we too are the people who, on the one hand, want to listen to Jesus, but on the other hand, at times, like to find a stick to beat others with, to condemn others. And Jesus has this message for us: mercy. I think — and I say it with humility — that this is the Lord’s most powerful message: mercy.

— Homily on March 17, 2013

Ephesians 5:8

now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light

John 11:9

If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble because he sees the light of this world.

1 John 2:10

The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him.

Matthew 6:22

“The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light.

1 Thessalonians 5:5-6

for you are all sons of light and sons of day

Romans 13:12

 put on the armor of light

Copyright 2015 Melanie Jean Juneau
Photo: "Candle" by Maliz Ong at Public Domain Pictures, PD.