The real enemy

Less than two months ago, it was evidently clear that a majority of Americans considered members of certain political parties or factions to be enemy number one. According to a recent USA Today poll, 9 in 10 Americans are “sick and tired” of the constant political division and intransigence that has gridlocked our nation. More than any time in recent memory, the logic of deeming another political party, faction or individual an enemy is being called into question. With the global threat posed by a virus of deadly proportions, many have become conscious of the fact that the real enemy is not a political party, faction or people. Those who celebrated Easter this past Sunday understand the challenge that comes with attempting to follow Jesus Christ’s command to love one another without reservation. In spite of countless efforts by the Roman government and subsequent others to permanently silence the message — not the least of which was the crucifixion of Jesus Christ — it never failed to withstand the test of time. It was the same love that reached the heart of a young lawyer in India who would lead one of the single greatest independence movements the world had ever known. Shackled in the chains of unjust British colonial law for decades, Mahatma Gandhi spearheaded India’s independence movement by the means of an unprecedented form of non-violent protest. Gandhi gave me the method.” Like the Israeli followers of Jesus, many in the African American community questioned King’s urge to love those who persecuted them. While I am deeply saddened by the global effects of this pandemic, my hope is that it will sound the alarm for those of us entrapped in the belief that our American brothers and sisters are enemies.