Failure to love and the possibilities of love

Matthew 9:1-8

        Sometimes I just think we don't get it. I saw a rather disturbing video on YouTube involving an overtly racist woman ranting and shouting, nay, spewing her vitriol at someone. It's hard for me to believe that such horror still exists and that there are people infected with such evil. I wonder if one day we will actually find out that such evil is some kind of infection. When you think about what Jesus preached and lived and you hear or see the antithesis of it in front of you it makes your psyche twitch and spasm. 

         One of the things that this passage conveys is the power that is granted us humans as heirs to the kingdom of God. It's right there in the last line. and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings. Jesus also said (Mt. 17:20) Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move.

We are children of God and as sure as Jesus is our brother, we are called and have the power to move mountains. Of course that would be somewhat silly, moving mountains. How about the power to effect loving change? To care for the needy, the homeless the disenfranchised. Could we do that with hard work and faith the size of a mustard seed? Could we?

         Jesus was questioned about forgiving the sins of the paralytic. His indignation and incredulity that we fail to love and put restrictions on love forced him to double down.  The paralytic walked home that day in the face of taunts and questions by so called religious men.  

          Can we live together (globally)? Can we effect changes that serve all mankind? Can we simply love, accept and help our very neighbors no matter who they are? I am astounded that we create infinite barriers between ourselves, God and our brothers and sisters. 

          In light of what we are called to be and do, I pray for a renaissance of love and peace born of respect and the recognition that every member of planet earth is a citizen and a brother or sister. We will not get there by spouting ungodly dictum's or religious rubrics. We will get there through love and understanding. If we can accept who we are and what we are called to do, marriage equality becomes a non issue because to love is the answer. Not stopping love, but engaging in love. Judgements will be left in the hands of God and we will be in charge of elevating humanity by treating each other equal with loving hearts.

And after getting into a boat he crossed the water and came to his own town.

And just then some people were carrying a paralysed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.’ Then some of the scribes said to themselves, ‘This man is blaspheming.’ But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, ‘Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he then said to the paralytic—‘Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.’ And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings.