February 20th - Reflection

Seventh Sunday After Epiphany
Matthew 5:38-48 (NRSV)
The teaching of Christ: love
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.


"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Reflection
God loves all of us, the righteous and the unrighteous. God wants that loving relationship with each one of us. This passage appears to be such a tall order for humans, but for God it's his way of love. God loves all of us. Will we love God and one another likewise?

Or will we separate ourselves from one another because of our differences? God loves all his creation. God loves all variety of people of all types of opinions, talents and appearances. But we tend to love those of only like mind, look and position.

Here God shows not only the deepness of his love for all, but also shows a desire that we would love one another likewise. Love the enemy, the unrighteous, the brother or sister that thinks differently from yourself. God teaches us grace in this passage. A love that springs from the very source of love in Jesus Christ.

It's a tall order for sure. But it's a life worth following in the love of Christ. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, you teach grace. Send me out in that same love you have given me, to live out that grace with all those you present to me this day. --- Amen