Pentecost XIII

Paul writes to the little church in Rome, probably toward the latter third of the first century:

"Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Good instructions, and excellent spiritual advice. Full of paradox. And, strange balm and challenge in these times of ours.

So, too, is our Gospel reading from Matthew, with which the Romans reading is paired. Jesus tells the disciples that he is heading to Jerusalem, and what will probably happen to him there. Peter says, 'no!" Jesus says, 'yes!' (as well as the famous, 'get thee behind me, Satan!'), and tells them that all disciples will take up this burden somehow. He then continues with the amazing, famous, paradoxical statement that, "...for those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it."

What is the relationship between these two visions of what it means to encounter and follow Jesus, seeking God in the world: Paul's list of interpersonal, communal behaviors (some obvious, some difficult, some paradoxical) and Jesus' stark statement about holding tightly and holding loosely things which can be lost, and also those things that can not be lost, so we can risk everything in their service?

What do you hold tightly that might be held more loosely? What is already held in God's hand, and so cannot be lost? What might you risk, then, for the sake of proclaiming and becoming ever more part of The Truth? What may be let go of?

Jesus begins this period of teaching by telling the disciples what awaits prophets in Jerusalem -- death. And then resurrection. They understand none of it. Luke's Gospel's telling uses the poetic phrase, "...he set his face toward Jerusalem."

Toward what is our face set these days? What are we squarely preparing to encounter?

Have confidence as you set your face toward adversity -- toward speaking the truth in love, toward losing yourself for the sake of Love and Truth -- that nothing that is of eternal value can be lost in your following the prophet all the way to Jerusalem, and continuing to be a witness to the transformative power of the truth, the strange power of Love.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

But, risk it. Speak it. 'Set your face toward Jerusalem' with the confidence that nothing can be lost if held in God's hand.