On possessing the truth .... when the truth does not belong to us ... but we can belong to the truth

I have been a subscriber to Interrupting the Silence for quite a long while.  If I don't get a sermon on a Sunday, it doesn't matter.  I just need Michael K Marsh's thoughtful words to reflect on.  I hope readers of this post appreciate this blog post and subscribe to Michael's blog too.  As you can gather from reading this beautiful post, he does not skim the surface but thoughtfully points out the implications we might otherwise miss. ----- The Editor of Advocacy

The Truth Does Not Belong to Us – A Sermon on John 18:33-37 by Michael K. Marsh “Are you the King of the Jews?” (From John 18:33-37, the gospel for Christ the King Sunday) It’s a simple question and Pilate wants a simple answer, a simple truth. Yes or no. You either are or you aren’t. Which is it? That’s the kind of question I always tried to ask when I was practicing law. Yes or no. This or that. I wanted a clear question and a clear answer. I wanted to eliminate all wiggle room. I wanted to possess the truth. If I could do that then I could establish some power, control, and security, and I had a better chance of creating the outcome my client and I wanted. Even if you've never questioned a witness or tried a lawsuit I’ll bet there have been times in your life when you too wanted a clear answer and a simple truth. I’ll bet there have been times when you tried to categorize your life, relationships, other people, and the world into this or that, yes or no. You took your experience, what you knew, what you had been told, what you believed or wanted to believe, and marked off the boundaries of what was true. You wanted to possess the truth. I understand that. I want to possess the truth. Pilate wants to possess the truth. I think we all do things to try and possess the truth. We want to possess the truth and know that within the borders of our truth we have given ourselves some power over our lives, some stability and security, some predictability and control. It’s often our first response to the circumstances of daily life. There is, however, a dark and dangerous side to claiming possession of the truth. When we claim to be the sole custodians of truth we put ourselves in the position of having to defend, guard, and protect that truth. We promote and impose our truth on others. Lines are drawn and walls are built. Conversations are reduced to a monologue of rhetoric, and relationships give way to either isolation or domination. And pretty soon violence arises in the words we speak and the actions we take. Sometimes it is a violence that injures or kills another human being but it always wounds the human soul, theirs and ours. At some level settling for a simple truth and claiming possession of that truth is at the heart of conflict and violence. Let me give you some examples of what that looks like. It looks like bombings and attacks in Mali, Nigeria, Paris, Beirut, and that’s just in the last ten days. It looks like thirty-one governors and the House of Representatives declaring Syrian refugees unwelcome in the United States; It looks like Israelis and Palestinians killing each other. It looks like seventeen presidential candidates each claiming to know more and better than the other. It looks like racism and the murder of nine black men and women in Charleston, South Carolina. It looks like Mr. Mukker, a 53 year old Sikh man on his way to the grocery store hearing shouts of “Terrorist!” “Bin Laden!” “Go back to your country!” and then being beaten because he wore a turban and had a beard. It looks like broken hearts in marriages, families, and friendships. In each of those situations someone or some group is claiming to be the sole possessor of the truth. If I learned anything from my time practicing law it was that my clients and I had, at most, only a piece of the truth. We did not possess the whole truth. The more witnesses I questioned and the more cases I tried, the more I began to realize that the truth was never as simple as I wanted it to be or as I tried to make it. That’s not just about practicing law. It’s also about practicing life, practicing faith, practicing relationships. Like it or not, it’s a reality we face every day. I wonder if that’s why Jesus does not give Pilate a straight answer. Maybe that’s his way of telling us that truth is never as simple as we want it to be, never as absolute as we often assert it to be, and never as exclusive as we sometimes claim it is. He knows that truth is more than a fact, an answer, or an experience, and that it cannot be possessed. Rather, it is a life to be lived. The truth to which Jesus testifies is the God who is beyond the circumstances of this world and yet always present in the circumstances of this world. Jesus came into the world to tell us about that truth, to show us what it looks like in a human life, and teach us how to be a part of and belong to that truth. That’s a lesson Pilate doesn’t seem to understand. He just wants facts, “What have you done?” “So you are a king?” It’s a lesson the world desperately needs to learn. It’s a lesson I am still learning. Maybe you are too. To seek and claim sole and exclusive possession of the truth is the way of Pilate and the way of the world, but it is not the way of Christ. Jesus never asks us to possess the truth about him or anything else. Instead, he asks us to belong to the truth, to let ourselves be possessed by his truth, and listen to his voice. So here’s my question. Do we belong to the truth or do we live and act as if the truth belongs to us? How we answer that question will determine whose voice we listen to, the choices we make, the priorities we establish, the words we speak, and the actions we take. “Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice,” Jesus said. Okay, then whose voice do we listen to when we act as if the truth belongs to us? Our own. We listen to our own voice and when we do it becomes difficult if not impossible to hear another’s voice, human or divine. When we make ourselves custodians of the truth, when we believe that the truth belongs to us, we listen to our own voice and the voices of those who think and act like us. We listen to the voice of our political party, our country, our religion, our faction. We listen to the voice of our fear and insecurity. We listen to the voice of our prejudice, our individual needs and desires, our experience. I know those voices. I’ve heard and listened to them. I know they are real. And they do speak a truth but it is only a piece of the truth. They remind me that the world is not always safe and life is not always easy. But I also know this. There is another voice, a voice that speaks from a kingdom not of this world. In the midst of uncertainty, fear, and terrorist attacks there is a voice that says, “Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” (Is. 41:10). “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt. 28:20). In the darkness of death there is a voice that says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live” (Jn. 11:25). In a sea of human diversity, people who think, act, and believe differently than us, there is a voice that says, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mk. 12:31). In a world with battle lines drawn and enemies named there is a voice that says, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mt. 5:44). In the midst of humanitarian need there is a voice that says, “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Mt. 25:35). In the midst of today’s refugee crisis there is a voice that says, “You shall love the foreigner as yourself” (Lev. 19:34). “Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Heb. 13:1). In the pain of a broken heart, hurt feelings, and betrayals, there is a voice that says, “If anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you” (Col. 3:13). In every time, in every place, in every situation there is always that other voice. It is always speaking to us. It speaks in today’s world, in your life, and in my life. That’s the voice I want to listen to. That’s the truth to which I want to belong. That’s the life I want to live. What about you? What about you? Will we belong to the truth or will we live and act as if the truth belongs to us? Michael K. Marsh | November 22, 2015 at 9:01 pm | Tags: Christ the King, John 18:33-37,Sermon, Truth | Categories: Sermon | URL: http://wp.me/pprAI-2dA

Harmony & Diversity is the basis of the beauty of Australia. Please support these values - not those undergirding violent public meetings and protest

THESE ARE THE HEADLINES REGARDING 

WHAT HAPPENED IN MELBOURNE

ON SATURDAY 18 JULY 2015 

AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE.

Who was the centre of attention in front of and near Victoria's Parliament House yesterday?  Reclaim Australia and their associates wanted to provide a double focus of attention: themselves and Muslims living in Australia.

No Room for Racism and its sympathisers were equally determined on a dual focus: to counter the racism of Reclaim Australia and its cohort and to make the public aware of their organisation.

Did the events of the day go as planned for both sides?  Possibly. Possibly not.  However, it seems that there were elements on both sides who were prepared for trouble one way or another.  

A group with a similar title to Reclaim Australia hit Ballarat early in 2014.  Restore Australia arrived in Ballarat trying to incite antagonism to the building of a mosque in the city - a city which was the site of Australia's first document demanding democratic rights.  As can be seen from this Facebook presence, drumming up opposition to the mosque being built by Ballarat's small Islamic community was not too successful.  

What Restore Australia did not take into account in the Ballarat situation is that community friendships had already been forged within the broader community by the time they blew into town.  The local Islamic community had friends - a broad spectrum of friends.  And the then Mayor was an early responder.

Meanwhile, amid all this swirling of clashing tensions and violent police intervention, what were Muslims doing? Yesterday was the beginning of Eid celebrations. Muslims were enjoying themselves. Behind them was a month of fasting. Now can come the feasting.  Perhaps Reclaim Australia chose the day and date deliberately with an intent to insult Muslims - or perhaps they knew there would not be a Muslim in sight or hearing of their rampage!

The Faith Communities Council of Victoria has issued the following statement.

Statement on Nationwide Rallies:  Faith Communities Council of Victoria The Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV) has issued the following statement in light of reports that over the weekend of the 18/19th July 2015, Reclaim Australia is planning nationwide rallies which we believe are divisive and not in the nation’s best interests.  The acceptance of our multicultural and multifaith society is one of Australia's greatest achievements and assets. The celebration of this rich diversity that exists in our society ensures we remain innovative, resilient and globally competitive - all of which enhances our society and increases our standard of living. Like any asset, our multicultural and multifaith identity needs to be continuously nourished and threats to undermine it need be addressed. The current environment fueled by economic uncertainty and fear is encouraging the rise of extreme groups like Reclaim Australia and UPF (United Patriots Front), who are intent on disenfranchising minorities and disturbing the peace within our society. These groups demonstrate they possess anti-Muslim, anti-Asian, anti-Indigenous, anti-Semitic and anti-Refugee sentiments. We, the Faith Communities Council of Victoria, actively discourage any kind of involvement with these groups and see them as a threat to peace and social cohesion within our society.  We believe there has to be a continuous dialogue promoting multiculturalism and multifaith. We also encourage all to discourage others from supporting these groups in any way. The harmony and diversity in our society is the basis of the beauty of Australia, and we request your support in maintaining this. Faith Communities Council of Victoria is comprised of the following peak bodies: Baha'i Community of Victoria, Brahma Kumaris Australia, Buddhist Council of Victoria, Hindu Community Council of Victoria, Islamic Council of Victoria, Jewish Community Council of Victoria, Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria and Victorian Council of Churches.

Pope Francis takes aim at capitalism as "a new tyranny"

Pope Francis has taken aim at capitalism as "a new tyranny" and is urging world leaders to step up their efforts against poverty and inequality, saying "thou shall not kill" the economy. Francis calls on rich people to share their wealth.

The existing financial system that fuels the unequal distribution of wealth and violence must be changed, the Pope warned.

"How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses two points?" Pope Francis asked an audience at the Vatican.

The global economic crisis, which has gripped much of Europe and America, has the Pope asking how countries can function, or realize their full economic potential, if they are weighed down by the debts of capitalism.

 “A new tyranny is thus born, invisible and often virtual, which unilaterally and relentlessly imposes its own laws and rules,” the 84-page document, known as an apostolic exhortation, said.

"To all this we can add widespread corruption and self-serving tax evasion, which has taken on worldwide dimensions. The thirst for power and possessions knows no limits", the pope’s document says.

He goes on to explain that in this system, which tends to devour everything which stands in the way of increased profits, whatever is fragile, like the environment, is defenseless before the interests of a deified market, which has become the only rule we live by.
For more please read here

Women's Refuges have been threatened during the last term of the NSW LibNat Govt - now...?

Call For Inquiry Into Women's Refuge Changes
Posted by Australian Social Justice Advocacy on Sunday, 29 March 2015

Please take time to read the details. They are horrific. 

Women have been disempowered by this policy change. 

Men and faith-based organisations have been given power 

over women fleeing violence and abuse - 

sometimes fleeing, with their children, for their lives.

A vigil for victims of violence for International Women's Day. #MakeItHappen

8 March is International Women's Day.

This year's theme is #MakeItHappen.

St Paul's is  marking the event -

we want to make things happen for women

in Australia and across the world

who are victims of violence.

Check out the map below displaying the security of women

around the globe 

We want things to change so women, and their families, 

can live in peace.

Please help us to make the vigil a success by taking

the graphic below and using it for posters

and for emailing your friends.

Map above from here

Kiss Goodbye 2 Apathy - a Fb page from Ree Boddee. Resources for dealing with family violence - and particularly for Anglican parishes

Many Australians are sick and tired of apathy towards or disinterest in so many of the social problems besetting modern Australia.  Facebook is a great outlet.  We form relationships, build conversations and communication networks, share ideas, initiate campaigns.  A new site worth joining/friending is Kiss Goodbye 2 Apathy set up by Dr Ree Bodde. 

Ree is the spouse of Hugh Kempster of St Peter's Eastern Hill. She is prominent in Anglican circles in regard to family violence.

Violence is learned. It can be unlearned
Taking the lid off a violent can of worms
Nudging Anglican parishes to prevent violence against women
Parishes urged to welcome men as anti-violence advocates
Preventing violence against women: what works and what doesn't in Anglican communities (this document is published below - it can be read on the post by scrolling down or by clicking the print symbol, it can be printed out)
'Sexist' competition draws Anglican ire
On Google+
On Twitter 
On Facebook 
On Facebook - Anglicans helping to prevent violence against women

Let the nonviolent Jesus form us ...

Ross Parry shared John Dear's post.

Post by John Dear.

Violence - a choice not an instinct - Podcast #1

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Download the first in a series of podcasts, ‘Violence - a choice not an instinct’. 

Church leaders can take affirmative action 

in preventing gender violence, presented by Dr Ree Boddé.

Anglicans Helping To Prevent Violence Against Women

Post by Anglicans Helping To Prevent Violence Against Women.

United Nations : women, peace and security.

In a unanimously adopted Presidential Statement this morning ahead of a day-long debate on “women, peace and security,” the Security Council reaffirmed the need to dismantle the “persistent barriers” facing gender equality, calling on Member States to embrace a “dedicated commitment to women's empowerment, participation, and human rights” and ensure their full and equal participation in peace and security issues.

Held annually, the Council's open debate provides an opportunity for the wider UN membership to reflect on the progress made, and accelerate action on implementation of the Security Council resolution 1325, adopted in 2000, which requires parties in a conflict to respect women's rights and support their participation in peace negotiations and in post-conflict reconstruction.

In a message to the 15-member body delivered by Executive Director of UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon thanked the Council for its “consistent focus” on women and peace and security issues, noting that such debate has enabled the international community “to move beyond viewing women as only victims of conflict to seeing them as agents of peace and progress.”

However, he expressed concern that “unprecedented levels of displacement” and the “immense human and financial cost of conflict” is testing global commitments to addressing the needs of women and girls around the world while also hindering their participation in conflict prevention, resolution and peacebuilding initiatives.

To read more please go here

Violence against women : Porn : Gender inequality : Gambling and addiction of Australian govts : G20

Domestic violence attitudes worsening, Anglican synod told

 17/10/2014 

by Barney Zwartz 

Reprinted from here

 Social attitudes in Australian society justifying domestic violence are becoming stronger, fuelled by the pornography and advertising industries, the Melbourne Anglican Synod was told on 16 October. “Social attitudes that give legitimacy to domestic violence are deeply entrenched in our society and in some ways are getting even worse,” the Revd. Scott Holmes told the 800 clergy and lay people meeting at St Paul’s Cathedral. “The porn industry is increasingly showing violence against women and portraying women as enjoying it, and is the greatest teacher about sex education to our children. Our advertising industry is also having a huge impact.” Mr Holmes said last year Victoria Police responded to 66,000 incidents of domestic violence, 95 per cent of them by men against women. 

Researcher Dr Ree Bodde said gender inequality was encouraged in many churches, with many women advised they should stay in abusive relationships and “try to be better wives”. “Violence in our homes reaches even into our vicarages,” she said. 

The Melbourne diocese has a preventing violence against women program that the synod was told is a model and incentive to other faith communities. 

Dr Gordon Preece, chairman of the Social Responsibilities Commission, said 4000 Victorians experienced homelessness every night, many of them victims of domestic violence. 

On gambling, Dr Preece said the greatest addicts were Australian governments. The synod voted to call all levels of government to reduce their reliance on revenue from gambling. Dr Preece said gambling was a key cause of family breakdown, crime – second only to drugs – and suicide. He said every time the churches looked like achieving reform, such as limiting the size of bets on poker machines, “we find enormous donations to both political parties (by gambling interests) have stifled the reform”. 

The synod urged G20 leaders meeting in Brisbane next month to look beyond short-term national interests to overcome unparalleled threats to global security and justice such as global warming and income inequality.