Faith and Politics

Matthew 26:14-15

Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I betray him to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver.

At this midpoint of Holy Week

we return, for a moment

to recall the Hosannas,

the waving of Palms 

and the joy-filled hopes

with which the week began

And we might ponder:

Are we still ready to champion 

the donkey-riding king

to hold our nerve, to watch what unfolds

even amidst the forces of darkness?

Or have we already moved on

to call for his arrest and torture?

Are we already siding with another mob

who are baying for blood - 

indeed perhaps even the same mob

whose instincts have grown ugly 

as we work out the safest strategy for our own survival?

As politics keeps step with unravelling faith

are we prepared to listen to the evidence,

to hold back our judgment

Will we allow compassion and curiosity

to prevent us from reaching easy conclusions

that condemn and crucify

The spotlight is on us as much as him.

How will we be revealed?

Liz Crumlish 2023