Children of the Most High

Dear Friend,

In the Gospel text proclaimed three weeks ago Jesus invited Peter to put out into deep water, a move that Peter was reluctant to make, but he did it. This week we find ourselves in the further reaches of that deep water, hearing words that outline dangerous and life-threatening territory: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you… Is this where we’re supposed to throw our nets?

The first disciples of Jesus faced not only rejection by religious leaders but also by Roman authorities, whose rule could be arbitrary, demeaning, and abusive, stirring zealots to a passionate commitment to violent revolution. Disciples of Jesus were cut off from the supports of family, tribe, society and culture. I think of Mother Teresa going out among the destitute of Calcutta, or St. Francis moving out from behind the city walls of Assisi to serve the lepers. Their commitment came at a cost. Think of St. Paul. Like Jesus these saints were led by the Spirit of a new creation. They became instruments of God’s own mercy, not only to those they served, but also to their detractors and nay-sayers.

Turn the other cheek is not a message to become a doormat. It is a message connected to the birth pangs of a new creation being brought into being by the coming of a Messiah who is servant to all. Peter left his boat to follow Jesus after a huge catch which he could never have accomplished on his own. The kingdom of God is where we live into our deepest identity as “children of the Most High.” Like children, little by little, we will learn how to talk again (words of truth, blessing, and love), and, like Peter, eventually, how to walk, even on deep water! 

Gratefully,

Fr. Dan ofm, Pastor