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The people living in Jesus’ country become angry when he reminds them God’s love extends to peoples beyond the borders of their own nation. “When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were filled with fury.”
It seems to me we too are living in a time of strong nationalistic feelings. While there are many reasons for the rise of such feelings, I wonder if one contributing factor isn’t the dizzying rate of change we are experiencing. Rapidly altering social conditions can increase fear and fear, I believe, leads to all kinds of ills. Perhaps that is why figures in the Bible so frequently say, “Be not afraid.” Some of the nationalistic “sound and fury” of our time may reflect a generalized feeling of anxiety or frustration as our lives seem to be spinning out of control.
Paul’s letter to the Corinthians counsels the response to such upsetting situations - whether anger at the suggestions God loves other nations or anxiety over rapid changes in our lives - is love. He write, “Love is patient…It is not quick tempered, it does not brood over injury.” Love expands our awareness of grace flowing beyond ourselves, beyond our boundaries - and enables us to deal with anxiety so that we do not over react.
The kind of love Paul is describing does not make our feelings of anger or anxiety disappear. Rather love acts as a guiding star - prompting us to move forward with faith and hope. We can feel and acknowledge afflictive emotions such as fear, anger, anxiety without letting them control us or dictate our actions.
May Love that dwells within us, guide us and ultimately be embodied by us - lest we hurl Jesus or anyone else over a cliff.