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October 17th.
2007
PURVEYORS OF HATE OR OF LOVE
It was a beautiful fall
morning. The air was crisp, the sun was shining brightly and the
changing foliage painted a gorgeous landscape. It was one of those days
that makes you feel blessed to be alive.
As I tried to absorb all the magnificence of this day I was immediately
jolted at a stop light by a bumper sticker: I hate! It was a beat up old
car and I noticed in its rearview mirror a ”scruffy” looking young adult
occupant; he was sneering.
I turned on my radio to catch the morning news and the encounter with
the “hate-mobile” became magnified. An author was being interviewed.
“The problem with the_______is that they are stupid and lazy and frankly
should be exterminated.”
When did hate become such a marketable commodity? When did it not only
become socially acceptable but when did it come to be admired by
thousands of fans, all because of hateful hyperbole? Don’t you find it
the least bit surprising, if not down right disgusting, to know that
individuals make millions of dollars a year writing books and giving
speeches just espousing hate.
Interestingly, my impression is some of these purveyors of hate truly
believe their assertions, while others frankly seem to have found a
“market niche” and are going to milk it for all they can. Regardless,
all seemed to be seduced by the attention and identity it provides for
them.
Hate is defined as: an intense, passionate dislike of aversion toward
someone or something. It has become one of those watered down words in
our vocabulary: “I hate speed bumps.” Yet, as I have suggested it has
also become an identity, a marketable commodity, even a lifestyle.
As people of faith we are the antithesis of hate. Whether it be from the
beginning, “And God saw all that he had made and it was good” to God so
loved the world…” we are a people of love. This love is lived out as
care, compassion, acceptance and respect toward others. While some have
made love a marketable commodity, we are called to make it our identity,
our lifestyle…to be purveyors of love.
Blessings,
The Rev. Brian N. Prior, Rector
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