Fire and Brimstone

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/093025.cfm

As I sat down to write this reflection this morning, I was confronted with ongoing discussion of yet another church shooting and this time also a fire. I simply could not ignore the parallel set before me: "Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?" Jesus rebuked them.

I think it is important to recognize that Jesus is not just rebuking their suggestion of fire and brimstone from heaven, but the hatred in their hearts that spurred the suggestion. When discussing the commandment 'thou shalt not kill', Jesus says that "everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgement; whoever insults his brother by saying 'Raca,' will be liable to the council; and whoever says 'You fool!' will be liable to hellfire."

Note that last statement. The 'sons of thunder' James and John, in desiring to call down fire from heaven to destroy those who have rejected them, actually drag themselves down to hell fire. I can't help but notice that the mere expression of 'You fool!' invokes a liability to hellfire. This is right from the lips of our Savior. This is not preacher X or Reverend Y or even Bishop Z. Ignoring this is not an option for the Christian.

Our language of bitterness and vitriol is not without consequence. This is in no way excusing those who react with violence but is a rebuke to the Christian who should not start the fire. Our way has to be different. We don't win heaven by winning an argument. We don't win heaven, period. We only get there through the grace of God who forgives us for our many transgressions against Him, and then in the Prayer that He taught us asks us to pray: forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Our forgiveness is the standard by which we will be judged. Sit with that for a little bit.

We must remember that we bear the name Christian. That means that those who observe us ascribe our actions to Christ and therefore might reject the Savior Himself because of the way we represent Him in our actions and in our lives. This requires our constant attention and vigilance, and to be honest, will be beyond our capabilities at times. It is then that we openly acknowledge our missteps (so that folks don't misinterpret us as behaving as Jesus would) and look to Jesus for His forgiveness.

If James and John, Apostles, Saints, Martyrs and companions of our Lord Jesus were rebuked for bringing the fire and brimstone, then I certainly don't feel qualified to do so either.