In the gospel lection for this coming Sunday, Jesus describes what it takes to follow in his way. That is, he speaks to the large crowds that were gathered around him that day, and he speaks to us who listen across the millennia. “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciples.” (Luke 14:26)

Now, this is troublesome. I’m supposed to be proclaiming the Good News, struggling mightily and daily with my emotions and fears about those in power who (in my mind) are wrecking the world and gleefully stomping on small people like me and even smaller than me, reciting a new mantra, “You must not hate. We’re not allowed to hate,” and here comes Jesus giving me permission to hate—no, commanding, for goodness’ sake—but not the people that make my teeth itch and give nightmares, but the people I love most! I’m not liking this verse.

So, I go looking for help to understand what’s going on here before everything I think I know about this Christian way of life gets put in the recycling bin. First, I go to Luke Timothy Johnson my favorite New Testament professor. He turns up so often in my sermons my that love and appreciation for this man should be well known by now. (Joanne Stone and I met in his office.❤️) In my house, he is known as “Luke Skywalker” which is perfectly apt. He gets his evangel-writing namesake, and I count on him to help me get down from climbing the walls when I read stuff like this.

The terms denote attitude and modes of action, not emotions. The point is not how one feels toward parents and family but one’s effective attitude when it comes to a choice for the kingdom.” (Sacra Pagina, p. 229)

Those are my italics. What does that mean? Saved by AI!

Effective attitude refers to one’s actions and behaviors concerning a particular situation, rather than internal feelings. It emphasizes the tangible outcome or impact of your approach, focusing on what you do rather than what you simply feel. This distinction is particularly important when evaluating a person’s priorities or commitment. An effective attitude is one that produces real, measurable results…. (Google AI Mode)

So, love and compassion and the Way of Jesus are a matter of intended behavior. What we do will reveal our choices, our commitments. I used to tell my Confirmands, if Martians landed in the parking lot on a Sunday afternoon knowing nothing about us or our language, by Wednesday they would know exactly who we are and what intend. They would know our true effective attitude. Remember “tangibilitate”?

So, my strong, angry feelings about certain people and movements are legitimate. But I do not get to act without compassion. I must choose loving and compassionate action—I must intend a good for my neighbor—like Jesus. That is the highest priority. And there could be a price to pay. We may be surprised who we are required to love. Sigh.

In an important editorial about Christian Nationalism by Nancy Wetzel that appeared in the May issue of The Monthly, she writes:

Besides using our votes, I’m not sure what the answers are as to how to counteract this pseudo-Christian movement and the damage it has already inflicted on our country and our citizens. Maybe we can begin by praying for inspiration and direction that can be put into action.

Yes, we must pray for inspiration and direction that we can put into action. That is what God calls us to. “Yes, AND,” as they say in improv, we must take time to be very clear about what we intend—our effective attitude. That iterative work of reflection and discernment over a lifetime for each of us and this congregation of God’s people takes first in our priorities. After that, we figure it out together like every disciple (improv) group has.

See you Sunday, God willing and all lanes on I-285 are open. It will be good to be together again.

Love and hugs,

Rev. Liz