Jesus died because he loved us

Contrary to current belief, Jesus did not die for religious freedom, freedom of speech or demonstrating the importance of the separation between church and state.  All of these ideals/points of view have co-opted Jesus’ life and death to support their political agenda.  In some ways that seems logical since he was killed as part of a political solution to a social issue.  But those that killed Jesus then and those who are invoking his name now in a political way are still missing the point. 
Jesus died because he loved us – God’s perfectly imperfect creation.  It’s as simple and as difficult as that.  As we progress through the most holy week of the Christian year, it is vital that we claim this truth at the core of our faith. 
In fact, the Triduum – the holy 3 days of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil/Easter Day – begins with solemnizing the commandment that Jesus gave this disciples (both then and now), “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12) He did not stipulate that they were only worthy of his love if they agreed with him or shared his political point of view.  He did not refuse to associate with those whom others deemed below them in social status (prostitutes, beggars, tax collectors).  He never told anyone to whom it was proper to be in love.  Jesus only told us to love – to let go of our egos and love like God loves us.
That is very daunting task – to love like God loves.  It opens us up to pain and suffering, hurt and betrayal, just like Jesus endured.  From that vantage point, it almost doesn’t seem worth it, to invite such terrible things into our lives.  Good Friday places a mirror in front of God’s creation and helps us truly see our culpability in Jesus’ death and our inability to love like God loves.
Yet there is redemption.  We are continuously invited back into relationship with God, to celebrate Jesus’ sacrifice as a testament to God’s love and acknowledge our worthiness of that love.
Which brings us back to loving each other as God loves us.  It is a daily challenge, but one we as faithful Christians vow to undertake.  It is a challenge to love those who do all in their power to confuse and infuse Jesus’ message with fear and prejudice.  It is painful to have Jesus’ words taken out of context to support a position he would have denied.  It is agonizing that those who need to know God’s love the most turn away from the very institution – the Church – that is to embody God’s love because they believe they are not welcome.
We need to continue to learn how to love as God loved us, so we walk this challenging, painful, agonizing path to the cross to understand that love.  I pray it will change our hearts, open our minds, enlighten our spirit and teach us to love.
Blessed Holy Week,

Rev. Valerie+

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