Dear Parishioners,
“An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” ~Mahatma Gandhi
Radical love and forgiveness are at the very heart of the Christian faith. Jesus calls each of us to follow his example of love. I recently read an article where someone asked Christians and those who were not what the core of Jesus’ teaching was about. The non-Christians, without exception, said that Jesus taught that we should love our enemies. Not one Christian who was asked gave this response. We are all too aware of the evil and injustices that thrive in our world. One need only turn on the television or browse on almost any website that offers current events to know that evil exists in our time and space. We know there is true evil dwelling in our world. Our culture encourages us to openly recognize the faults of others, passing judgment often without recognizing our own faults. When it comes to differing viewpoints on any subject, it sometimes seems we have become slaves to our own needs, opinions and feelings about issues of the day and our reaction to the thoughts, opinions and ideas of others. This type of self-imposed slavery limits how God is able to work in our lives and in our hearts. So many people say they are anxious about the future. So many people create this anxiety within themselves, reacting to real or imagined problems. If we, as people of good will, respond to hate with hate, hate wins.
Love and forgiveness for a Christian is not an option…it is a requirement.
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself” is our mantra. Do we truly believe that we love our neighbor or do we whitewash our hatred or dislike of another, taking a stand for what we think is right, with our words of distain for their thoughts, their ideas or their differences of opinions?
There’s a song that many of us know “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love.” I have to ask myself if that is true. Do people know I am a Christian by how I love? Will they know I am a Christian by my words and deeds? Will anyone know I am a Christian by how I treat others or speak about those who disagree with me?
Love and forgiveness for a Christian is not an option…it is a requirement.
I believe that true love and forgiveness for others is the only real hope for the world.
“Love is patient and kind, not jealous, inflated, pompous or rude. It is not self-seeking, quick tempered and doesn’t brood over wrongs. Love rejoices with the truth, bears all things, hopes all things and endures all things. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13
Radical Love, Forgiveness and Peace to you all.