Word to the Wise
Sunday, May 19, 2019 - 5th Sunday of Easter - C
[Acts 14:21-27; Rev 21:1-5a; John 13:31-33a, 34-35]"I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." [John]
I have mentioned this poster before, but it always comes back to me when I am confronted by Jesus' words about loving: "If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" Would the standard be a "preponderance of evidence," or "beyond a reasonable doubt?" Or would we simply plead that we are in "substantial compliance?" Would we say, "I try. I fail. But I do the best I can?" What would we say if the judge dismissed the case for lack of evidence!
Sometimes it is the little acts that can make a big difference. The image of God wiping away every tear from our eyes in the second scripture for today from the Book of Revelation is a favorite of mine. I know I've tried to do that for many a college student. All the stuff I read about growing older emphasizes telling your loved ones that you love them, but words are helped immensely by simple acts. Sometimes those acts may hurt a bit because the recipient is unaware of a greater threat that requires some definite and firm action.
Discipleship is not an abstraction. It is the everyday acts and words of love that make up the body of evidence that we take Jesus' words to heart and that we really want to be known as one of his disciples. We want to be telling the truth if we plead "Guilty as charged, your honor!" when we are arrested for being a Christian! AMEN