Why do we love boldly? - September 27, 2023

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:97-120; PM Psalm 81, 82
2 Kings 6:1-23; 1 Cor. 5:9-6:8; Matt. 5:38-48

Anselm of Canterbury (1033–1109) was a renowned Christian philosopher and theologian in the eleventh century. As a leader, he rose through the ranks of the church to become Archbishop of Canterbury. As a scholar, he wrote various works exploring how we understand God’s being and how we relate to God; his writing poured over from cognitive reflection to spiritual direction. Some of his prayers translated into English can be found here.

One of my favorite prayers of Anselm echoes through the words of Jesus this morning in the excerpt from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5). Jesus challenged his listeners to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (v. 44). This must have been hard to hear, for there was tension in the Temple at times. Advocating for the love of God could get the disciples in hot water! Rather than steam and wish ill for their rivals, Jesus called his followers to be different. To double-down in prayer. And he even gave them a reason, “so that you may be children of your Father in heaven”. In responding in this way, their actions would exhibit whose they truly were – children of God.

Jesus ushered the audience into a deeper level of profundity as he spoke of his father: “for [God] makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.” (v. 45) God cares for all of the Earth, for all of creation, for all of the humans and those more-than-human beings. The sun shines upon all, and rain falls upon all. This is a challenging premise, when different people groups across the world want God to be on one “side” or another “side”. To love across boundaries is not easy – and yet, avoiding the hard work does not build up our faith. Jesus told his listeners, “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?” (v. 46a)

As I sit with Jesus’ words, I wonder what growth or change happens if I stay within the boundaries of comfort and predictability? How often do I lean upon God for guidance if I already know what to do?

Saint Anselm wrote a prayer for heavenly mindedness. Jesus’ words from Matthew greatly influenced what he prayed in the 11th century. Let the message of Jesus and the prayer of Anselm inspire you this day:

O merciful God, fill our hearts, we pray You, with the graces of Your Holy Spirit, with love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Teach us to love those who hate us, to pray for those who despitefully use us, that we may be the children of You our Father, who makes Your sun to shine on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. In adversity grant us grace to be patient; in prosperity keep us humble; may we guard the door of our lips; may we lightly esteem the pleasures of this world, and thirst after heavenly things; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Katherine+

Questions for Self-Reflection and Daily Challenge:

What does it mean to you today to pray for those who are hard to love? Where does God's perfecting love factor into this for you? Let Jesus be your guide today as you listen through prayer and pondering.