Facing the Fox

At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’” – Luke 13:31-32

How are we to face our foxes, our Herods?
Do we speak truth and put ourselves at risk?
Where’s the balance between safety
and justice for those targeted for erasure,
     the immigrant,
     the gay or lesbian person,
     the transgender person?
Do we stay silent or speak out?
What if, instead of turning away,
we stood firm, expectant
in solidarity with the vulnerable?
Who do we want to be?
     The tyrant who cares
     about nothing but themselves?
     Or do we want to be Christ-like,
     feeding the hungry,
     freeing the prisoner?
What do we want out of life?
     To sit alone and empty on mounds
     of wealth and power?
     Or the divine fullness
     of neighbor’s helping hand?
Are we willing to change?
     Will we be vulnerable,
     stand firm,
     remade and transformed in love?
Or will we turn away in fear?
How will we face the foxes of our lives?

©2025 Kenneth W. Arthur