Jesus Christ is Lord of All

Much has changed in an historic presidential election last night, but one thing has not changed – Jesus Christ is STILL Lord of all!  Jesus’ words from last Sunday’s Gospel need to be proclaimed again:
"But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:27-31
This is not an easy path to follow.  Americans proclaim justice as an enduring virtue, but what Jesus is describing here is mercy. It is merciful to love when it would be easy to hate.  It is merciful to support your neighbor when it would be easier to ignore or abuse them.  It is merciful to give without expecting anything in return. 
When we choose to follow Jesus, we are making a difficult choice because it is not about our own well-being but for our “enemies” as well.  It is easy to hate or fear our enemies, and yet we are called to love them.  Love in the midst of fear is powerful – and hard.
And so we pray.  We ask for God’s presence and direction in our lives, seeking wisdom and knowledge of how to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.  We pray to know how best to be loving and to show mercy, especially when it is hard.  We pray to strengthen our faith to respect the dignity of all people – not just those we agree with already.
From the Book of Common Prayer, page 838-839
Almighty God, giver of all good things: We thank you for the natural majesty and beauty of this land. They restore us, though we often destroy them.
Heal us.
We thank you for the great resources of this nation. They make us rich, though we often exploit them. Forgive us.
We thank you for the men and women who have made this country strong. They are models for us, though we often fall short of them.
Inspire us.
We thank you for the torch of liberty which has been lit in this land. It has drawn people from every nation, though we have often hidden from its light.
Enlighten us.
We thank you for the faith we have inherited in all its rich variety. It sustains our life, though we have been faithless again and again.
Renew us.
Help us, O Lord, to finish the good work here begun. Strengthen our efforts to blot out ignorance and prejudice, and to abolish poverty and crime. And hasten the day when all our people, with many voices in one united chorus, will glorify your holy Name. Amen.

In Christ,

Rev. Valerie+

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