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murdered. On the 21st of June, this week, Edgar Ray Killen was found guilty of
manslaughter in a state court in Philadelphia, Mississippi.. The jury, through their guilty
verdict, engaged in a righteous action. They strengthened efforts to restore relationships
between the people who are African-American and people who are European-American.
People of all races may be heartened by the righteousness that took place this week in the
South.
Jesus invites his disciples to follow the paths of righteousness. He is aware that
righteousness occurs in the context of a relationship. When he says, “Whoever welcomes a
righteous person in the name of a righteous person,” Jesus describes the way discipleship is
one of engagement. In our encounters with others we are to minister in the name of the
One who is righteous.
Christ knows there is no limit to the measures one will take to secure a relationship.
Christ is the one who gave from his life, indeed, gave his entire life, to seal Christ’s
relationship with us. And Christ promises that those who follow that course will be
rewarded. “Whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will
receive the reward of the righteous.”
Thanks be to God.
Amen.
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