ON REPAYING EVIL WITH EVIL

This Saturday, the Armenian Church remembers the Two Hundred Holy Fathers of the Council of Ephesus. It is because of its theologically seminal importance that it is commemorated in our liturgical calendar. 

Yet let us emphasize its relevance in our days beyond these long settled and accepted doctrinal issues. One particular aspect of the council prevails over all others: ecumenism. 

The early church was already riven by disputes and factionalism, yet that did not defeat the will to seek unity in our common belief and in what possibly sums up the essence of our faith: that God is love.  

As the world is descending again to new lows as the wider geography of the Holy Land is engulfed in war and atrocities, we must strive to heal scars that the grinding march of History has left in its path, alienating Christians from Christians and human beings from their fellows regardless of geography or faith and strive for peace on Earth. Now.  

We may find the key to it in 1 Peter (3:9-10). It requires us to prevail over our worst instincts: 

Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing. For 

‘Those who desire life
    and desire to see good days,
let them keep their tongues from evil
    and their lips from speaking deceit;
 let them turn away from evil and do good;
    let them seek peace and pursue it.