No More Noise

It’s hard to think of a better line than the last sentence in the statement from the Brown family: “Let’s not just make noise, let’s make a difference.”

There’s a lot of noise-making, on both sides of this heart-breaking drama.

Noise-making is easy. It’s the go-to solution, especially for us religious people. When we don’t know what else to do, or we do know what else to do but simply don’t want to do it, we make noise.

I’m reminded of a tense scene in Lk. 9 when Jesus and his disciples were abused by members of a different racial/religious group. There was a long history of animosity and hostility between these the two groups. And it was about to erupt in a conflagration that might consume the guilty, the innocent and everyone in-between. The match was lit by James and John: “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” Jesus, should we round up those _____ and teach them a lesson? Jesus, should we give those ______ something they won’t soon forget?

This stand-off happened at a key moment in Jesus’ ministry. According to Luke, it was literally a turning point. What happened here would determine whether Jesus’ movement would merely reflect the racial and religious prejudices of the day or would slowly but surely overcome them.

Jesus responded to the wish of James and John by rebuking them. Why? Because “his face was set toward Jerusalem.” That is, Jesus was committed to the way of the cross. The way of radical love and reconciliation. A way that would cost everything. But a way that would change everything.

It’s easy to lob words, fling accusations, and make threats. It’s easy to mirror the “-isms” of the friends, family, churches or culture who surround us.  It’s hard to climb on a cross and die. But that’s how you make a difference.

Let’s not just make noise. Let’s make a difference–for everyone, no matter their color or career.