In the face of terrorism

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

In the face of terrorism

The hour is coming when all those who will kill you will believe they are offering worship to God. They will do so because they have not known the Father or me. John 16.2-3

How can we come to kill in the name of God ? Jesus gives some answers here. Only a profound ignorance of God allows such acts to be committed. The imagination that is not fed by the Word of God can be extremely cruel, even for a Christian.

When Jesus was arrested, Peter drew his sword to strike the head of one of the men-at-arms. In his clumsiness, he only cut off his ear, which Jesus hastened to heal. Jesus warned the disciples : All who take the sword will die by the sword. (Matthew 26.52)

Alas, the crusades, the inquisition and the wars of religion testify that the church has not always lent authority to these words.

Terrorism threatens us again today. But the words of Jesus also remain relevant. It is because he does not want us to be surprised by the violence of this world that he warns us. Jesus ascended to heaven but he promises us his presence here below through the Holy Spirit, also called Defender, Comforter and Advocate.

Let us not remain prisoners of fear, but let us trust in Jesus to receive peace from him through the Holy Spirit and the love of the Father.

Good luck.

Alain Monclair

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Proposed reading : Gospel according to John, chapter 16, verses 1 to 15.

Source (Live Today)