WAY. TRUTH. LIFE

Every Sunday we read Scripture and hear preaching that speaks of choosing love over hate, the well-being of others over destroying those who disagree, and justice over abuse. And then we return to a world that reverses these values. No wonder we are sometimes confused and stressed and tempted to doubt or renounce our faith. 

The example of the Holy Land is the most bitter proof that people are unwilling to follow the very teachings that established their religions. God became Incarnate because it was painfully obvious humanity couldn’t get past this destructive pattern without help.   

Jesus came to get us back on track, to save us from our worst selves and the evil around us. His Way is no more than what God spelled out in the Commandments; his Truth is that God’s unshakable power of love can only flow when forgiveness paves the way, and enemies are loved into redemption, not destroyed. By choosing to believe this truth and follow this way, eternal life begins now, as we bring this hope into our broken lives.

And yet humanity has always failed more than succeeded, bringing relentless violence against dissenters and wars that tear our world apart. No wonder Jesus looked over Jerusalem and cried, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37)

The good news is it only takes a minority who abide in Christ to turn things around. God has given us a soul that loves and seeks God almost as much as God loves and seeks us. As humans we are also given free will. As our Episcopal tradition teaches, we are also given memory, reason, and skill so we can choose faithfully and wisely. Through our baptism we have the power to rise above our worst impulses so that we can bring God’s healing and transforming love into our lives and our world. By drawing on Holy Scripture and prayer we can tap these God-given capacities to make a real difference for God. But only if we know Jesus is the vine from whom all flows. 

We join the millions who weep over Jerusalem, the Holy Land, and especially Gaza. We pray and contribute to those who are working hard to find an equitable solution. We pray and respond as we can to relief efforts. We serve as emotional, spiritual and, if need be, physical shelter to those who fear for their safety. 

I invite you to reflect on the many ways you live the love of Christ, especially in theses stressful times. Share and celebrate the fruit of your labors! These God-given abilities and wise choices will carry us through anxiety, uncertainty and fear with the light of Christ leading the way into a future God intends for good.  

Amen.