He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, so that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it.
Albert Luthuli was the first African to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, for his work in South Africa’s non-violent fight against apartheid. He was a Zulu chief, and eventually elected president of a region in South Africa. He firmly believed that his fight for civil rights was inherently a Christian struggle. He said that because he was a Christian, he was compelled to “get into the thick of the struggle with other Christians, taking my Christianity with me and praying that it may be used to influence for good”.
The reading appointed to commemorate him is this section of Ephesians. In it, Paul is talking about Christ abolishing the law, so he can reconcile both groups to God. It seems this happens whenever there is a law or rule, people line up on opposing sides, and become enemies over the arbitrary line in the sand. Granted, some of the rules are for everyone’s benefit, but frequently they benefit the rule-maker, not the intended rule-follower.
That’s one reason I like today’s saint. Luthuli worked within the political system, peacefully to bring about change. He brought his Christian faith with him to the arenas of power where his people were marginalized, and appealed to the Christian faith of others.
This feels missing to me today. Instead of appealing to Christian values of others in the political arena, we wag our fingers at others, shaming them. I wonder if there’s more room and potentially more success if we could appeal to their Christian values and actually dialogue about our commonly held values.
This morning, I’m thinking of ways of seeking reconciliation with fellow children of God, and in particular Christ-followers. Reconciliation to the simple laws of Christ – Love God. Love your neighbor. Maybe it’s intentional constructed conversations with people who see things very differently, but still follow Christ. Maybe it’s not so formal. Either way, I think one key is to remain in, or create dialogue.
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