Jesus said, “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, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48
For many years, my parents hosted the town 4th of July bicycle parade in our town. The decorated bikes and riders would gather at the firehouse and be lead around Cape May Point by the fire engine, blaring the siren and coming to an end on our front lawn. We fed the crowds cookies, crumpets, Kool-Aid and water ice. My parents began the parade when we were young and kept it going until 2014. I know that some of the people gathered on the lawn were friends. Some not so much. No matter what, my folks wanted the love of neighbor and community to ring out loud on the 4th. They wanted radical welcome and love to be shared with whomever showed up.
Wondrous Creator, we give you thanks today
for our freedom which we celebrate today
for the love you shower down upon us
and for our country despite our many struggles.
Our history has been wrought with violence
many have never tasted the true freedom promised
we often boast before we really should have
and wonder if our season has come to an end.
Lord, let this day be dedicated to love
love shown to friend and enemy alike
love that is a gift received and a gift given
so we might share your loving presence today. Amen.
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