“What Will We Say to Those Who Kill Us”

This is the question raised by Father Boules George, an Egyptian Coptic Priest, during a sermon on the Eve of Passover Monday, following the Palm Sunday bombings of two Coptic churches—one in Tanta, and one in Alexandria.

The world was appalled and moved on to other things. Apparently his question and the way he answered it did not merit a response from the major news programs… though someone took note, as links to his sermon are being spread through social media.

I hope you will take the time to listen to his response. It is only 9 minutes long and has English subtitles. As you listen, I ask you to look at the expressions on his face. Watch how he moves. And listen to him as he speaks—his tone of voice; the love, the gentleness, and compassion pouring through him to his listeners. At one point the camera backs up to reveal a packed church. Packed mind you—placing each listener in the exact same danger as that of the worshippers this past Palm Sunday.

Father Boules George is truly teaching the gospel as shared by the Apostles throughout the entire New Testament—untainted by political correctness, societal demands, and the world’s expectations. This is the gospel of hope and of peace that I believe in. As he speaks, I can see Jesus on the cross, saying, “Father, forgive them, they don’t know what they are doing.” ([biblegateway passage=”Luke 23:34″])

I am reminded of the great sacrifice that God made to bring hope to all humankind—not just His beloved Jewish people. God gave the best He had to give—Himself.

Unlike our loved ones today, Jesus did not remain dead. On Easter, Christians worldwide will exchange the following mutual greeting: One will say to the other, “Christ is Risen,” and the other will respond, “He is risen indeed!”

Our hope is not of this world, it never was and it never will be. Our hope is because we serve a living Savior! We share with our Coptic brothers and sisters the same hope. We grieve, but not as the world does. And we are called to live in this world without being of it. One of the ways we do this is by loving those who hate us and spitefully use us.

Our Coptic brethren are laying before us a strong example of what it means to live the resurrection life… an example paved with tears and joy that looks to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.

Blessed resurrection day to all of you.

Christ is Risen!

Now it’s your turn to respond…

For Meditation: [biblegateway passage=”John 12:24-26″], [biblegateway passage=”John 16:31-33″]

Credit: I learned about Father George from the Coptic Dad & Mom website. If you would like to learn more about Coptic Christians, I highly recommend this site.