In Matthew’s Gospel, the Pharisees ask Jesus yet another “test” question: “Which commandment in the law is the greatest?” Jesus answers without a moment’s hesitation: “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all our mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Love God. Love your neighbor. On these two commandments hang everything else that matters in this world. Period.
May I take a moment here to point out what Jesus doesn’t say in response to the Pharisees’ question? Remember, at this point in the story, Jesus’s crucifixion is just days away. Death is literally breathing down his neck, and he is rapidly running out of opportunities to communicate the heart of his message. But when he is asked what matters most in a life of faith, Jesus doesn’t say, “Believe the right things.” He doesn’t say, “Maintain personal and doctrinal purity.” He doesn’t say, “Worship like this or attend a church like that.” He doesn’t even say, “Read your Bible,” or “Pray every day,” or “Preach the Gospel to every living creature.” He says, “Love.” That’s it. Love God and love your neighbor.
Okay. But what does it mean to do this? How are we to love? This is where, I fear, our overuse, misuse, and even abuse of the word “love” gets us into trouble. We claim to “love” many things. We “love” our favorite celebrities, movies, bands, and television shows. We “love” going on vacation, or reading a well-crafted novel, or watching the Buffalo Bills play football. We “love” chocolate or bacon or sushi or spicy chicken wings.
The invitation to love comes from our God who first and foremost wants our love — not our fear, penitence, or piety. And we have a God who wants every one of God’s children to also feel loved. By us. Not shamed. Not punished. Not chastised. Not judged. But loved.
For several months, I have had the humble privilege of visiting and praying with Rosemary in the hospital. She is a beautiful witness of love for her devoted spouse Ted, her children and grandchildren. Ted shared that two weeks ago, a long lost goddaughter who we haven’t heard from in ten plus years heard about Rosemary’s plight from their daughter on Facebook and she hopped on a plane in Florida and flew in on Saturday morning. His daughter picked her up at the airport and brought her to see Rosemary in the ICU. She brought a collage of photos of how much we were a part of her life as she grew up, a very emotional reunion. She and our daughter talked and laughed for four hours with Rosemary. Rosemary’s condition on that Saturday was transformed with joy and hope. Ted could hardly believe it she was on a high on Sunday as well and their doctor was astounded as well. The goddaughter flew out back to Florida on Sunday. Ted shared that God works in strange ways…
So here is a beautiful example of what is it that we are commanded to do? I believe the call is to follow in the footsteps of the one who stood in the presence of his accusers and enemies, and declared love the be-all and end-all. The call is to weep with those who weep. To laugh with those who laugh. To touch the untouchables, feed the hungry, welcome the children, release the captives, forgive the sinners, confront the oppressors, comfort the oppressed, wash each other’s feet, hold each other close, and tell each other the truth. The call is to guide each other home.
In remembrance of Rosemary who I had the privilege visiting in her home, listening to her stories about her children and praying with her in the ICU, let me share this blessing prayer.
The world now is too
dangerous and too beautiful
for anything but love.
May your eyes be so blessed you see God in everyone.
Your ears, so you hear the cry of the poor.
May your hands be so blessed
that everything you touch is a sacrament.
Your lips, so you speak nothing but the truth with love.
May your feet be so blessed you run to those who need you.
And may your heart be so opened, so set on fire,
that your love, your love, changes everything.
And may the blessing of the God who created you, loves you,
and sustains you, be with you now and always.
May it be so.
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends and especially for the gift of Rosemary's faith, courage and her love of God and neighbor. To know Rosemary’s touch, her smile and joyful heart is a gift that guides us home close to the heart of God. May she rest in your tender loving arms and bring comfort to her beloved Ted, her children, family and friends.
