Love your enemy... becoming whole in God's love

Scripture: Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18  •  Psalm 119:33-40  •  1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23  •  Matthew 5:38-48

We finish up Matthew's 5th Chapter which began with the "Sermon on the Mount," followed by Jesus' teachings expanding upon the commandments. This week Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek, to love our enemies, to go the extra mile. Why is he telling us this? See The Rev. Mark Suriano's "Going Beyond" is a good synopsis and analysis of this great gospel account, culminating in the completeness and wholeness of God's love. Jesus tells us this is the way to life - life in abundance, eternal life - and when we can't go any further, in his loving sacrifice for us, with the grace of God's love and forgiveness, Jesus redeems us, reconciles us, and carries us the rest of the way.

The Rev. Danáe Ashley, in "Stone Soup" develops this further from a community perspective: "God’s love is seen in the world when communities are concerned with compassion, justice, and care of everyone, especially the most vulnerable."

    

Fulfilling the Law...

Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 or Sirach 15:15-20  •  Psalm 119:1-8  •  1 Corinthians 3:1-9  •  Matthew 5:21-37

Our readings this week refer to commandments. Continuing in Matthew 5, following the Sermon on the Mount (the Beatitudes), Jesus has told us we are the salt of the earth, the  light of the world to shine, and to be perfect (complete), as our Father in heaven is perfect. Now he addresses commandments. He says, "You have heard it was said..." followed by a commandment, and then says, "but I say to you..." followed by seemingly extreme demands. For example: commandment: "You shall not murder..." followed by: "if you are angry with a brother or sister, you are liable to judgment." Or, "Do not commit adultery..." followed by "whoever looks at a woman with lust has committed adultery in his heart."

What is Jesus telling us? Some call his remarks "antitheses" to the commandments, but he has told us he has come not to destroy the law, but to fulfill the law. Contrary to the apparent negative account of the Pharisees in the gospels, Jesus recognizes their piety, but tells us our righteousness must be greater than those of the scribes and Pharisees.

What is happening here? See "Intensifying the Law" by The Rev. Dr. Joseph S. Pagano, and The Rev. Amy Oden's "Commentary on Matthew 5:21-37."

We are to be the salt of the earth, light of the world... and perfect??

Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12)  • Psalm 112:1-9 (10) 
 • 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16)  • Matthew 5:13-20

After Jesus gave us his sermon on the mount, teaching us different standards to live by than the prevailing ways of the world - so different and life changing that Dietrich Bonhoeffer based his Cost of Discipleship on the Beatitudes - he then charged us to be "the salt of the earth" and "light of the world." In verse 48 of the fifth chapter of Matthew, Jesus commands us to be "perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect."  What does he mean? Is Jesus commanding us to do what we cannot possibly do? Is he to be taken literally? Is it hyperbole to make a point? Does he mean you and me, and now?

In "Salt and Light" The Rev. Anne Howard  has an interesting discussion about the qualities and meanings of salt, and light, particularly in terms of being engaged and useful with others. Fred B. Craddock explores what Jesus means in his charge to be "perfect" in "You, Therefore, Must Be Perfect." Finally, in "epiphany 5a reflection: lose the morons," The Rev. Rick Morley tells us not to be morons as he draws on the Greek word for "low-grade," used for losing one's saltiness, or becoming tasteless - μωραίνω - mōrainō. That's right, we're to do great things and not be morons.