LUKE 13:31-33

At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose. Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.’”  

Gospelthink: I did not want to give up my ministry before my time, even though I was in danger. What church ministry should I be involved in?

After Martin Luther King Jr. received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, he decided that peaceful non-violent confrontations were the only way to bring about true integration of the South. In particular, he was interested in removing the restrictions that had been placed on black voters. They had already received the right to vote in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, but the restrictions were still present, in effect, blocking them from voting. He and the leaders of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) decided that the best way to do it was by organized non-violent marches, all of which are shown in the movie "Selma." King emphasized that the black marchers and their supporters were to negotiate, demonstrate, and resist but were to go no further with any violence. The intention was to raise white consciousness by media exposure. 

Perhaps there is no greater human temptation than to "get back at" people that have in some way hurt us or our families. But Jesus's directive to show no revenge (Matthew 5:39) is very clear and therefore sets up the truly Christian way of acting when we are hurt. Jesus not only said it, but he acted it out. In Luke's Gospel, when he is told that Herod wanted to kill him, he defiantly resisted what Herod wanted, but he did it with no thought of being revengeful.

Martin Luther King Jr. knew the mind of Jesus Christ. He knew that the true Christian would not seek revenge, but that did not mean that he could not resist in a non-violent way in order to negotiate for that which was right. He told his supporters that they were to negotiate, demonstrate and resist, but they were not to fight back.

You and I are given two lessons here by Martin Luther King Jr. who was guided by Jesus. One is that of working for what is right, but secondly, that we do it in a non-violent manner. Generally speaking, it is a difficulty for our human natures because we are almost naturally inclined to seek an "eye for an eye."

Our Christian heritage calls for us to work for peace in whatever way we can except by the use of violence. It is a lesson that most nations must still learn, even those who call themselves "Christian." More importantly, it is a directive that every Christian must make part of their lives.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, in many ways we are violent people, and need to listen more closely to Your Son who never calls us to revenge. Give us the grace to truly understand the message of non-violence. Be with us, we pray. 

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: Nonviolence is the only way to bring about true peace, but it is difficult because the desire to retaliate is very strong in the human being.
 
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
(session: approximately 60 minutes)
1. What scene during this session of the movie was most striking to you? Why?
2.The presenter may want to offer an historical reflection on Herod and his family.
3. It is clear from the Gospel passage that Jesus will allow nothing to stand in the way of following what God wants in his life. In general, in today's world, what does it mean to follow God's will?
4. In the Gospel, only when Jesus goes to Jerusalem will he accomplish his task in life. What do you think Jesus wanted to do most of all while he was here on earth?
 5. It is a fact that many Christians do not follow Jesus's directive to show no revenge. In your experience, where have you seen best enacted Jesus's desire for his followers to show no revenge?
6.The presenter may want to give a presentation on why the Jewish law allowed an "eye for an eye." 
7. In your opinion, why is the achievement of true peace such a difficult undertaking?
8. In your opinion, does your country have a problem with segregation even today? Yes or no and why?
9. What can be done about the violence that exists with racist crimes?
10. Scene analysis: J. Edgar Hoover talking to President Johnson. As presented by the movie, both were wrong in their desire to hurt Martin Luther King Jr.. What can be done when the highest authority in the land is wrong?
11. Character analysis: Coretta Scott King. Considering what the movie presents, describe her role with respect to the work of her husband.
12. Scene analysis: King calls on Mahalia Jackson to "inspire" him. How can music help in life situations?
13. Scene analysis: King's sermons. He used his sermons to accomplish his goals. In general, what should a sermon accomplish in today's world?
14. Scene analysis: One of the non-violent demonstrators "fights back." This is the "natural" reaction to violence toward a person. In general, do you think that non-violence can be accomplished in today's world? Yes or no and why?
15. Analysis: the group called "Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee" were not in agreement with King and his movement. How strong is "jealousy" even among people who are trying to do good?
16. Analysis: Malcolm X and his violent opposition. In general, did "the violent approach" help the non-violence in the fight for integration? Yes or no and why?
17. Scene analysis: King's argument with President Johnson, refusing to "compromise." In your opinion, could King have accomplished his goals if he had tried to work a little more with President Johnson? Yes or no and why?

©2007 Capuchin Province of Mid-America
Fr. Mike Scully is a member of the Capuchin Province of Mid-America