May 26, 2019: The War is Over – Bekah Stewart

John pauses and addresses children, fathers and young men, which is to say everyone who is listening. You are forgiven. You know God. You have overcome the evil one. He says it not just one, but twice. You are forgiven. You know God. You have overcome the evil one. This is such a deep and pastoral moment for John. In the midst of hate, division, anger, confusion and people leaving the Church, he encourages them by telling them who they are and what they know.

 

Often when it comes to conflict we insert ourselves into it to take sides and dress down the opposition. We tell our allies why they and we are right and how we can win. John doesn’t do any of that. He simple reminds them of who they are. You are forgiven. You know God. You have overcome the evil one. There is nothing divisive here, only truth that offers a grounding for the listeners. Perhaps, in the midst of division we need to remember who we are.