From The Desk of Deacon Judy
What’s Love Got to do With It?
When I was a law enforcement chaplain, I wrote this reflection for our Sheriff Department’s newsletter. You have heard some of this story before, but I wanted to share this with you as we reflect on our readings for this Sunday.
“She calmly looked me in the eye with no emotion. Suddenly her fist struck my face. She wrestled me to the ground and pulled my change purse out of my hand. I got up, blood dripping down my face (and all over my white sweater). As she walked away, the words “May God Bless You” came out of my mouth.
What? Where did that come from?
I recalled my scripture reading from that very morning “…If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also…..” (Matthew 5:39)
Jesus turns our world upside down. He continues “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)
How can we love those who hurt us and hurt others? It seems too much to ask.
All I know is that we can’t do this by ourselves, no matter how hard we try. This kind of love doesn’t come easily.
God held his steadfast love (in Hebrew “chesed”) for his chosen people who continually disobeyed and betrayed him.
Jesus showed his unconditional love (in Greek “agape”) to the marginalized, the shunned, the totally “unworthy” and forgave those who crucified him. He loves us no matter what.
Jesus asks no less of us in his New Commandment: “…that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)
The good news is that through prayer and opening our hearts to God, Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit changes us from within. As we discover this transformative love, we truly do become a new creation: “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away, See, everything has become new!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
So what’s love got to do with it?
I imagine Jesus would say “Everything”.
“O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)”
Eastertide Blessings, Judy Q+
