A common core

Matthew 5:38-48

        Do not be afraid, but. There's always a but, this passage made me think of James Carville and Mary Matalin. I think the reason they came to mind is that they seem to be opposites. I never could figure out how they could be married. He is left, she is right. Of course if you ask me, he is right and she is just wrong. Sorry, sometimes I can't help myself. The fact remains that they are two people on complete opposite ends of the political spectrum. How do things like that happen?

         A few months back I was at an LGBTQ spirituality meeting and there was a really fabulous young man there. He revelled in in his own 'fabulosity'. He had been a boy toy, been to all the white parties and lived the gayest of lifestyles. Interesting thing though, he seemed to be in love with (and please forgive this word), his "hag". The hag was very beautiful and she seemed to be a wonderful person.  In our discussions that evening he confided that after seeing and experiencing so much sex, what really mattered to him was the person inside. The 'equipment' was enjoyable but not as important for his happiness. I was struck by that. 

          I don't think we are encoded with stereotypes or social paradigms like "an eye for an eye".  But somehow we get the message of left and right, right and wrong, black and white.  I suppose by even mentioning it I am perpetuating it.  Be that as it may, this passage seems to me to be telling us that these are human constructs. Like James and Mary who seem to be opposites by our standards, they seem to have found some over riding factor that let them find companionship, respect and even deep abiding love. Whatever this 'thing' is they found, I beleive may be the same concept my young LGBTQ meeting friend was talking about. 

          We judge almost everything by the worlds standards. Very often it is  Madison Avenue, political systems and even religions. Almost all of us buy into something and run with it forsaking others and accepting whatever 'their' agenda or beliefs are.

          It seems to me this passage is speaking against all the human things we buy into. Once again we are being asked to accept the standards of another world, of a savior who died so we could actually live in that 'other world'. Paradise. Heaven. Eternal bliss with our creator. We are called to look beyond stereotypes, beliefs and even actions. What is in the heart of someone else? What is the beauty of another person that we may not see, that we may not understand?  What is the beauty that another may be hiding for fear of being hurt, rejected or tormented?  Would we want to be judged on surface, worldly criteria?  Do we bare our souls to everyone we meet or do hide who we really are a large part of the time? 

         Time is the thing we have precious little of. We should use what time we do have to love. We need to try and see the beauty in everyone. If we judge and turn a blind eye (our a deaf ear) we are failing in our purpose as humans. We are also missing out on some very beautiful people for as they say, "God don't make junk" and you will find these beautiful people everywhere. Very often they are in the least likely places you'd expect. 

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'

But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also;

and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well;

and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.

Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.

"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.