[Pearls Ep 159: Preparing for Sunday.]
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus delivers the MOAB (in military speak that is “Mother Of All Bombs” – but we might think of it as “Mother Of All Blessings”) – “Love your enemy.”
Easy enough to say that back then – they just had the Pharisees.
We have Davos.
And Disney.
And Google.
And the FBI.
And … well, you get the idea.
But Jesus didn’t give any wiggle room, so it’s time to go hug a transhumanist. At least, spiritually speaking.
This week’s Pearls of the Interior Life video (click here to view it) looks at the spiritual realities of loving our enemy – it’s a “trickle down” theory of love – there are a few important steps before we get around to sending muffin baskets to Marxists.
We also look at some practical aspects of how this relates to the three classical enemies – satan, the fallen world and fallen human nature. Satan is our enemy – do we have to love him? Obviously, the answer is no. But why?
All that and more in this week’s Pearls video and follow-up messages.
Blessings on your journey with Christ –
Steve and Karen Smith
Interior Life
Postscript: Matthew 5:38-48
Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand over your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you,and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.
“You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”