“And let the peace of
Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in
one Body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” Colossians 3:15-16a
For if you love those
who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to
you, what credit is that to you?
Even sinners do the same. If
you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is
that to you? Even sinners lend to
sinners, and get back the same amount.
But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend
expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great. Luke 6:32-36b
Piety
Looking Up (Three Days
in September)
For meditation today, listen
to the song linked above by Cletus Kennelly, a local artist. He wrote this on September 13, 2001.
Study
Jesus did not just turn
over the tables on the moneylenders in the temple. He turned over the tables on everyone as he
restated the Golden Rule.
Literally, to the people
listening, they would have to follow the orders of the belligerent Roman forces
which occupied ancient Palestine. If
they wanted an Israelite to carry their pack for a mile, Jesus said, “Go two
miles.” And don’t grumble.
When we throw a banquet,
Jesus says to invite people who will not feel like they have to invite us
back.
When we attend a
banquet, sit in the back. We may have the
host move our seat up.
Action
This test is difficult
even for us today. How do we view the
North Koreans, the Iranians and the Syrians?
How
do we get past the political enemies list and get to a posture where we can
truly love everyone? How do we love our
neighbor no matter where he puts his fence?
How do we manage our social media in a way that does not imply hatred of
those who might not share our views?
We are a society which revolves around
reciprocity. Quid begets pro quo. Jesus says Quid begets more quid. Try to do
something today and expect nothing in return.
No comments:
Post a Comment