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
Today, there will be parades and fireworks across our country in small and large towns everywhere. Independence is a precious thing and something to be celebrated, even though, in recent days, our independence has been threatened and scarred. My Cherokee mother has always stood for the kind of independence worth protecting. She opened her heart to kids from all walks of life, feeding them and making a place at the table. No matter how many children and adults landed on our lawn after the 4th of July parade, she greeted and welcomed all. She was following the love of her savior and she lived it every day.
Creator, source of life and our liberty
we often pursue our happiness
to the destruction of our neighbors/
Set us free from petty selfishness
set us free from the greed which binds us
and make us your children free to love
everyone who you set on our path always. Amen.
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