You've Got to be Carefully Taught

19Jan
When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
-Matthew 16:13-19


Today marks the Feast Day of the Confession of St. Peter. It’s not that Peter is confessing his sins, but rather he is confessing/proclaiming who he believes Jesus is. The feast day also happens to fall on the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. who also spent his life proclaiming who Jesus was. Both men, affected by Jesus’ teachings would spend the rest of their lives, not only proclaiming the love of the Messiah, but also would speak out against hate.


Hate is fascinating and confusing to me. It is a characteristic that I believe destroys our inner soul. If we watch small children, they may demand that they get their way, or fail to share a toy or two, but true hate is a characteristic that comes later in life. They are just as likely to give a hug to a child that they do not know or engage in play after only a few minutes with an unknown child. They are happy to snuggle with their mother or giggle with their father They are vessels of love.


However, sometime later in life, someone teaches them that others are not acceptable. Perhaps they are taught that others are a threat because they look different or they come from a different social group. Maybe others practice a different faith. When we are at our worst, though, that indifference, that lack of acceptance, can turn into something that eats at us like a malignant growth. We turn our attention inward, as if we are superior to others, failing to see that good in others & failing to respect the dignity of every human being (as we promise in our baptismal covenant). We have to be taught to hate, and if we let it enter our soul, we fall short of what God asks us to be.


In the musical South Pacific, there is a song titled “You Have to Be Carefully Taught”. It was reintroduced to me by my favorite musical artist, James Taylor. It is a simple, yet powerful song.


It is a reminder of what Jesus, and later, Peter & Martin, tried to teach us. Love makes us whole. It connects us in a special way to others. It warms our soul. It allows us to utilize God’s greatest gift to us. It too, can be carefully taught. When we love, we are able in a unique way, to understand what is in the heart of God.


Musical Reflection - You've Got to be Carefully Taught - James Taylor


Merciful God, teach us again this day to remember that to serve God, is to be in service of Good and Love over fear. Amen.

Acceptance

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