Sermon Notes, Epi +7 (C)

 From time to time, we come across something that seems to have a really quirky meaning.

And whether it’s a translation issue, or that language evolves over time and words can change meaning, sometimes what is said is not always what is heard.

That can really happen when we have words that journey through multiple languages over multiple generations…

Like the Bible.

Today’s Gospel passage gives us more than one of those moments, where we might think: is that what Jesus really meant?
So it can be helpful to dig deeper: to ask the questions, to challenge the words, so that we can have a better understanding.
For with a better understanding, comes a better foundation for our faith-fuelled actions in the world.

Right from the start, Jesus’ discourse is inviting strong relationship: the “you” in the first phrase (I say to you who are listening): is not meant as an individual comment. Jesus isn’t speaking to one person, but to the community as a whole.

So everyone who is part of the community is meant to hear the lessons that Jesus teaches.
And it starts with one of those quirky phrases.
…one of those phrases that invites that deeper reflection.

LOVE YOUR ENEMIES!
in this passage, the love is the agape love: the unconditional, undeniable, unending love of God.
Love those who love you, isn’t too onerous a task; but also love your enemies.
And the word for enemy – echthros – hasn’t changed – it’s a person who is acting out of an intention to inflict harm.
Being called to love someone who wishes us harm (and those who have enacted harm against us) is hard. Especially when they use words that say they love us .

So it can be helpful for us to remember that love will not inflict pain, or humiliation, or malice. And if someone is being hurt this way, the loving thing for themselves and the other, is to remove themselves from the situation where abuse is actualised. Unconditional love does not mean unconditional tolerance.

DO GOOD TO THOSE WHO HATE YOU!
This is exactly the type of instruction that can have us questioning if we heard it correctly.
Here, Jesus uses the word kalOs for goodness – a characteristic, or ideal of genteel personal conduct even in the midst of conflict.
Here, “do good” means refusing negativity or meanness towards others. It invites a demonstration of our faith through our behaviour. It’s a reminder to take the high road – and invite others to join us.
And those who hate us – Hate – the Greek Miseo.
This doesn’t mean folks who despise us, but it means a choice or comparison – an intentional decision to love someone less, or to hold something in lower esteem than something else.
So “do good to those who hate you” invites wishing goodness to those who love us less than we love them.

BLESS THOSE WHO CURSE YOU;
This again focuses on intention. To bless someone – to wish them well. To ask God to be in their heart.
NOT in the sarcastic “bless your heart” that suggests a more negative intention.
But a genuine hope that those who are acting against us may know the love of God.

For really, to curse someone shows a type of dysfunction in the person.
Uttering the curse – a coldness that rejects the humanity of the other.
For someone to intentionally wish that someone be denied the abundance of life, means that they are themselves going to end up with spiritual scarcity and isolation.
God bless them: these people are usually so hurt that they can’t even comprehend that love is possible. Who more could use the grace of God’s blessing?

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO MISTREAT YOU.
To engage in prayer is a privilege and a responsibility.
It’s not asking God to arbitrarily change that person to our preference – but invoking the Spirit to move in our lives, that we can reach out AS COMMUNITY to be the people that God wants us to be.
Praying for those who mistreat us reminds us of our humanity, and our responsibility, and our commitment to build up all God’s people in positive, healthy ways.
And: praying for those who have mistreated us further invites us to reflect on our own behaviours: how we may have been mean to someone, or ignored the needs that someone presents to us, or turned a blind eye to the suffering of our neighbours.
Praying for others can invite us to pray for God to open our eyes, and ears, and hearts.

Now, that’s just 2 verses… of so many. And Jesus goes on to give other examples of how to respond to the world around us: using language that shows our individual reactions of generosity and grace (like turning cheeks and giving more than is asked of us) can influence the overall mentality of the community.

And thus: Jesus summarises it all for us with the Golden Rule. The invitation that we DO UNTO OTHERS AS WE WOULD WANT THEM TO DO UNTO US.
Or, as the Greek suggests – we should consider how we would want to be treated before we determine how we will act towards others.
The slight variation in order suggests the importance of intentionality. Recognising that our faith calls us to an active context, to do actions that are based in what is inherently good, inspired and powered by God. It’s not about personal preference or expectation of return, but a genuine desire to act out what is mature, holy, and communally… good.


When we surround ourselves with people who will speak up against evil – like the devastation of human trafficking, a scourge we recognise today – the prevalence of evil will diminish.
When we surround ourselves with people who will find ways to extend compassion to the vulnerable in our midst, we find ourselves with new ways to care – and be cared for – as a community.
When we surround ourselves with people who practice grace and forgiveness – we find ourselves being more gracious and forgiving.
When we surround ourselves with people who want to live and love like Jesus – as difficult as that can be at times – we find ourselves immersed in a community of holiness. And we all benefit from that.

You get the idea.
Jesus is speaking, inviting, inspiring: in words that we have heard before, and in words that we are invited to hear again for the first time.
So let us be confident to seek deeper knowledge, increased understanding, and holy wisdom.
Let’s be vulnerable enough to change our minds, as we encounter God in our lives.
Let’s be aware that God welcomes our questions and curiosity in the teachings we have been given, and how we integrate them in our lives.
Let’s be loving and careful in our use of scripture: for ourselves, and for others.
For the gift of Gods words is here for all of us – to build up the kingdom, to extend grace, to bless, to love.
Let’s be amazed at the wonders God has shown us – and continues to show us – as we learn from the source of love.
Amen.