Fifth Sunday of Easter: Cycle C, May 6,2007

Scripture: Acts 14:21-27. Psalm 145. Rev. 21:1-5a. John 13:31a.34-35.

Spring breaks forth during Easter with buds, blossoms, and fragrances. All
things seem to be new with the fresh green colors lightly breaking through
in parks and forests. This made me think of the themes of newness or
renewal, the beginnings of faith, and the new commandment of love that
Jesus speaks about in the Gospel of John. In the reading from Acts we hear
of Barnabas and Paul preaching, witnessing, and converting new people to
the Christian community. They are classified as "Gentiles" meaning the
Nations. The universalism of the author of Luke-Acts comes through in both
of his works, the Gospel and now his idyllic history of the emerging
churches. As the reading ends, we have this excellent summary, "God has
opened the door of faith to the Gentiles." Despite the success of Paul and
Barnabas, there was much suffering involved in dealing with their own and
now with the "Gentiles". It was no bed of roses. The author says, "We
must go undergo many trials if we are to enter the reign of God." Then
Jesus offers a new concept that goes beyond what we normally think of when
we speak of love. He forces us to love not only our own, but others. He
pushes us to the extremes of love which means loving even those who hate us
or persecute us. Very few of us will be able to live up to that in
reality, but we need to keep that challenge infront of us as we move on in
the mission Jesus gives each of us and our communities and churches. The
commandment to love is found in the Torah in the Book of Leviticus. There
it pertains to the people of Israel. Jesus' commandment is universal and
will involve something most people do not accept, namely, forgiveness of
others especially those who do not treat us well or who have done evil or
our considered our enemies. This is no easy task for us in a world of
terror, fear, and violence. This is no easy task in a secular society that
has an angry face and angry attitude about many things that are not even
important. Yes, the ultimate dimension of love extends to those who do
not love us and even cause us suffering. The new commandment of Jesus is
not a romantic idea. It calls for an open heart that is filled with
boldness, compassion, and forgiveness. Only by the grace of God can we as
communities love in this way and the same holds for us as individuals.
Amen.