September 9, 2021

I asked two friends to help me move a wood stove. This wood stove weighs 485 pounds. These friends immediately agreed to help. Now they are former friends, because nobody should ask anybody to move a wood stove, especially not someone you consider a friend.

One of Jesus’ most startling teachings (and there are SO many!) is that we are not just supposed to love our friends – we are to love our enemies too. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5: 43-44)

Do you love your enemies? I didn’t think so. Me, neither. If that doesn’t drive you to your knees, I don’t know what will. Let us pray.

“O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.”

(Proper 19 – BCP p. 233)