March 17, 2023

This snippet from Wendell Berry’s novel, Jayber Crow.

“One Saturday evening, while Troy was waiting his turn in the chair, the subject was started and Troy said — it was about the third thing said — “They ought to round up every one of them sons of bitches and put them right in front of the damned communists, and then whoever killed who, it would be all to the good.” […]

It was hard to do, but I quit cutting hair and looked at Troy. I said, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you.” Troy jerked his head up and widened his eyes at me. “Where did you get that crap?” I said, “Jesus Christ.”

And Troy said, “Oh.” It would have been a great moment in the history of Christianity, except that I did not love Troy.”

Here’s the thing: it IS a great moment in the history of Christianity because Christianity isn’t about what you do but what has been done on your behalf. Jesus Christ forgives everybody on every side of every quarrel.

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9)

“Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Fifth Sunday of Lent – BCP)