“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. “Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. “Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. “Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.
“But I say to you that listen, 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. Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. [Luke 6.24-34]
Questions to ponder?
How does God want us to respond to people like Dzhokhar Tsarnaev? Is the death penalty ever part of God’s Justice? Does loving your neighbor mean allowing them to hurt you? Can we love our neighbor and still protect ourselves?
God, sometimes people threaten our lives and our safety. Fear and anger overcome us. Help us respond lovingly to those who hurt others and to those who are hurt by others.. Help us learn to love the way you love. Amen.