Jesus said, “I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:27, 35a)
I recently saw a Facebook post depicting two images. Both images showed people acting poorly in a very public way. The caption associated with the pictures compared one bad action to another bad action. Both actions were political statements of distrust and protest. I am not sure how we can be asked to judge if one bad action is better/more acceptable than another?!
Our Gospel lesson last week and this week is from Luke’s Sermon on the Plain. Jesus speaks to us from a wilderness place. An occupying force is in place, and the Jewish leadership is corrupt. Yet Jesus does not offer hate speeches or defiant actions. Instead, Jesus offers words of encouragement and love.
When we are prodded into making decisions and judgments on poor actions, we are drawn into the activities by our agreement. I urge you, brothers and sisters, to focus on loving those who are not on the same side of an argument. I encourage you not to be drawn into any decisions that will cause a more significant schism. I urge you to pray for your enemies as fervently as you would pray for your best friend.
As Christians, we live in the light of love from our Father in Heaven. Draw your power from His love and shine with the brightness of one who is saved. We can love as Jesus loved. We can love those we disagree with. We can love amid hate. We can love…because we are loved!
Fr. Michael+