Love: A Saintly Sign

THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL: LUKE 6: 20-31 (THE MESSAGE)

Then he spoke: You're blessed when you've lost it all. God's kingdom is there for the finding. You're blessed when you're ravenously hungry. Then you're ready for the Messianic meal. You're blessed when the tears flow freely. Joy comes with the morning. Count yourself blessed every time someone cuts you down or throws you out, every time someone smears or blackens your name to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and that that person is uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—skip like a lamb, if you like!—for even though they don't like it, I do . . . and all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company;

my preachers and witnesses have always been treated like this. But it's trouble ahead if you think you have it made. What you have is all you'll ever get. And it's trouble ahead if you're satisfied with yourself. Your self will not satisfy you for long. And it's trouble ahead if you think life's all fun and games. There's suffering to be met, and you're going to meet it. There's trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests—look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular. To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously. Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them!

Jesus sermon on the plain in Luke’s Gospel is filled with blessings and trouble. It reflects the constant reversal we hear about in scripture that no one is outside of God’s love and we are challenged to love others in this same inclusive way. What does loving your enemies look like in your life? How do you respond to difficulty and hurt? Do you pray for others even if you don’t agree with them or even like them? How are you generous with your life? What does the golden rule look like for you?

Join us for a celebration of worship at 10:00am at Christ Church where we will explore all things good and challenging through word and sacrament, food pantry and gift card collection as well as through the consecration of our tithes and pledges for God’s work in and through us. This is going to be a joyful service! See you there!

Remember to set your clocks back an hour on Saturday and join us refreshed and awake for worship!