My first read of the gospel* this week had my stomach in knots. To those who are listening, Jesus is saying to love outside the box, to include in our circle of prayer and kindness and generosity those people especially whom we consider undeserving. We are to have an open heart for those whose attitudes and behavior we despise or who despise us. We are to love and do good and give and lend with no expectation of anything in return.
Sometimes it feels like Jesus is asking too much from my little human head and heart. But then again, Jesus knows more deeply and truly to whom he is appealing. Jesus knows each of our original origin in God’s creative act of love and our connection to each other in God’s heart. Jesus knows the joy of an undivided life and wants us to experience that incredible joy.
Loving makes me feel vulnerable and undefended, yet I will always desire loving communion and wholehearted life together as long as I am breathing. That is what I believe it means to be human in God’s reality.
There is a lovely Hasidic story told in Krista Tippett’s book, Becoming Wise (pp. 24-25):
May it be so.
-Trish Stefanik, Overlook Retreat House at Dayspring
- Where have you experienced God’s love and mercy?
- Who is the other that might benefit from your loving beyond measure?
- What spiritual practices and community help grow your capacity to love?
