Monday, 24 November, 2003

We begin with a piece from “Ethics” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.



If by (one’s) knowledge of the law a (person) has become the judge of (one’s) brother or sister and so eventually of the law itself, then (this person) can no longer perform the law, however much else (this person) may appear to reform. The “doer of the law,” unlike the judge, submits to the law; the law never becomes a criterion for (this person) such as (this person) might apply to (this person’s) brother or sister; the law never confronts (this person) otherwise than in summoning (this person) personally to action. Even when (this person) has to deal with a brother or sister who is at fault, the “doer of the law” has only one possible means of giving effect to the law, and that is by performing it (him/her) self.



The “doer” does it. The “doer” does not need to watch over the “doing of others. The law is not there for us to be judges over others. The law is there for our well being and we are invited to participate in it for the welfare of all. We are called into action by the law. That action does define us. We can be so weighed down by how the law makes an impact on the community and others that we do not take up the call to be “doers of the law” ourselves. Instead, we play games with righteousness – with the law. It is life giving to listen to the wonderful ways of the law for our own life. For the ways of the law can inspire us to act within the boundaries of the law and the uplifting of the whole community. It is my responsibility to follow the law not to watch over you.



Connection: We give some people the job of being enforcers of the law. We enter into the ways of the law this day to participate in order, kindness, and deliberate concern for the welfare of all. Imagine how free this day would be if we would let go of our self-imposed job of judging others.



Lord God of Love, you bring us the gift of your commandments so that we may have the blessed experience of living in peace with one another. Forgive us when we make ourselves responsible for the law keeping of others for we then forget about the love that is enhance when we abide in your ways alone. Amen.