"Chancing the Arm"
Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany (Year
C)
Genesis
45.3-11, 15; 1 Corinthians 15.35-38, 42-50; Luke 6.27-38
St. Gregory’s, Long Beach
Today’s
Gospel reading can be filed under the category of “easier said than done.” Or
“yeah, but.”
In his Sermon
on the Plain, Jesus says, “Love your enemies, do
good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse
you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone
who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who
begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again”
(Lk 6.27-30). These words can be a little hard to hear. And for those who have
been wronged by another, by someone who now may be viewed as “enemy,” these
words are even harder to stomach. Particularly given the “no ifs, ands, or
buts” attitude Jesus seems to have when he invites his followers to show radical
love, blessing, generosity, and yes, even forgiveness, on those who have
wronged or harmed us in any way. Particularly those who have wronged or harmed
us in a serious enough way to warrant, in our own minds, being deemed “enemy.”
