Our Abrupt Response to Same-Sex Marriage

Well, it certainly feels official since the courts have declined to take up appeals from states regarding the court's ruling that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right. Therefore, we are all are going to have to accept the idea of same-sex marriage to at least some degree. Will there be resistance to this? One could be almost certain of that. Already there have been pastors who have stated that they will not preside over gay weddings, and clergymen and magistrates who have said that they will step down from their positions for fear that they will be forced to do that which they feel is morally wrong. Some of these people of authority have already been sued as city ordinances prevent discrimination based on sexual preference.

The same argument is being debated in Vatican City as Pope Francis has called on the Catholic Church to examine civil unions. In a recent sermon, Pope Francis stated that "God is not afraid of new things" and that is why "he is continually surprising us, opening our hearts and guiding us in unexpected ways."

The first question to ask is how would Jesus handle this modern day governmental matter.  When the Pharisee's disciples questioned Jesus about paying taxes, certainly Jesus did not form a coup.  He simply stated "give back to Caesar what is Caesar's (Matt 22:15-22.)  The gospels tell of Jesus handling worldly matters throughout his days on earth for people whose personal lifestyles were far different from his own. It did not prevent him from serving, assisting, healing and ministering; and if we are to carry our own cross and follow in his footsteps, how can we judge or refrain from assisting another human-being who maintains his or her faith in Christ.

The timely event of same-sex marriage proves to be an opportunity for us all to personally identify with the teachings of Jesus.  Jesus assisted the Samaritan women who had five husbands; he did not shun her aside in disgust. There have been many reactions to the civil union of homosexual people and the strongest ones have been from those who have the most responsibility. It appears that now is the time for common folk to show that the greatest quality in us all is the exact quality that was worth Jesus's life.

Brian L. Elliott, The Scarlet Journal
October 30, 2014 2:21PM EDT