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February 11, 2023In the last week, we attended mass, as guests, at two separate churches. At one of the churches, the homily focused almost entirely on the fact that we are sinners, beyond God’s merit, as well as the fact that we have to spread the faith of our own denomination, not the faith taught by Jesus. And at both churches, we ended the service with a “prayer” asking for protection from the devil and from all the demons prowling the world. All I can say is that this is not what I believe and I cannot find any justification for it in the Gospels. I just shook my head and offered my own prayer asking for peace to all present.
In today’s Gospel, we hear a lot about rules. But notice how Jesus approaches the subject of the rules. Jesus says, “You have heard it said…. But I say…” Jesus is saying, yes, there are rules, but following rules is not enough! Rules are given to help get us all started in a direction. But then we have to allow the Spirit to take over and lead us higher and deeper. Following rules 100% of the time is nearly impossible. And, I think, Jesus is telling me that I’ll get closer to the essence of the rules, if I stop worrying about the letter of the law and start following the spirit of the law.
I notice that in the Gospel today that Jesus never says “if you don’t follow the rules, you are damned”. Never. Jesus wants me to see that in my own imperfection, I need to forgive the imperfections of others. Our world is full of outcasts and those who are broken. My reciting rules to them will not make them feel better, feed them, house them or heal them. I need to love them.
As I read the Gospels I try very hard to hear what Jesus is saying and then to do that in my own life. I rarely do it well. But I keep reading and I keep working. The life that Jesus wants me to live is based on HIS life, not rules espoused by a single denomination, no matter which denomination it might be. To do otherwise is to be simply self-serving and shallow. There's enough of that in our world, I don’t need to be trying to enlarge those sentiments. And never do I hear Jesus using fear to get people to do things his way. Instead, I hear, “peace be with you” and "do not be afraid.”
I have so much to learn and so far to go to know that I am truly following Jesus’ way, but I know that it is the right way to follow. If I have any hope of helping others to come to the knowledge of Jesus’ love, I cannot use fear or sin or exclusivity to draw them in. I must use love.
Every day.
