Living Christ’s Love

Luke 8:16-18 (ESV): Living Christ’s Love

No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.  For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.

His essay was honest. It outlined how and why he abandoned his faith. The essay carefully outlined, moreover, the reasons why he became an atheist. He was sick of feeling inadequate in the eyes of God, for his tradition taught him such. He was open and devout but faced with the soul-crushing draw to despise other faith traditions, to disdain those who believe differently. And he was fed up with trying to make sense of a loveless, discriminating deity. All of this and more he spelled out in his personal narrative essay. My heart broke knowing his faith fell victim to a close-minded, inaccurate system of catechesis -- a tradition teaching God as an intolerant, judgmental tyrant.

A student sheepishly approached me. He wasn’t sure how to ask but did in a quiet, hopeful manner: “Mr. Blackburn. Can I speak with you? My faith tradition asks me to pray five times a day. I would like to do this but have been reluctant in school for obvious reasons. Can you help me?” With excitement, I worked with the student to find a quiet place for his prayer. His face radiated with appreciation.

Atheism and Islam are two traditions that many Christians would condemn or avoid. How we respond to these children of God is a significant part of our mission as people of Christ’s love. Let us choose the path of Jesus, the path of welcome, inclusion, and love.

The light of the gospel, the light of Jesus inside of us, must be displayed so that people will be drawn to his light. Our faith should be recognizable by our love. All hidden things, our Lord reminds us, will be revealed. Those who have and bear the Good News are rewarded. Those who do nothing, however, to bear the love of God to others will lose the little they do have. It is a profound message: Love others no matter what. Let God take care of the rest.

I pray that our week bring us the opportunities to live Christ’s love to others, no matter the circumstances. Amen.

Have a blessed week.

Stan