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rev-dr-elaine.bsky.social
@rev-dr-elaine.bsky.social
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rev-dr-elaine.bsky.social
Last week's lectionary was the sermon on the plain (Luke's version of the beatitudes). I've been reflecting on these words in the days of oligarchs.
“Love your enemies,” “Turn the other cheek,” These are hard commands, loving God, and not something we naturally want to do. “Love your enemies,” “Turn the other cheek,” But, but, but we cry in response with every excuse why we should not do this. Yet “Love your enemies,” “Turn the other cheek,” We continue the abuse of survivors of violence when we use these ideas uncritically without reflecting on what they really mean. And when a bishop calls for compassion to be shown by those in power on the little ones of their world, and death threats are the response, then we see in action what it truly means to “Love your enemies,” “Turn the other cheek,” Teach us, O God, to not respond to violence with violence, or hate with hate, but to channel our response with creativity into holding up a mirror to those that would hurt us, to show the potential of being fully human; Teach us, O God, to build up rather than tear down, to balance mercy and justice and work towards the healing of our families, our community and our world. Amen.
February 26, 2025 at 1:26 AM