The jerk in the MAGA hat

Luke 10:25-37

      It is easy to love the ones you love. Hebrew Scriptures are mixed on who your neighbor is. The prevalent thought put forth in Jesus' time seemed to be that a neighbor could be a stranger but always someone within the fold, that is, still a real Jew. 

     I can't help but think of how we act today in our horribly polarized society.  I would probably not attempt to strike up a conversation with someone wearing a MAGA hat. The fact that they wear it seems like a boast or pride in their own stupidity. And that is the rub, the judgment I have made and my barriers going up.  

      The message this morning in Luke seems to be a reminder not to close off our minds, to remain open, however difficult it is for us to stretch or discomfort. If we wish to have our share in the imperishable inheritance of eternal life, we must see that everyone is our neighbor. From the seeming loser wearing the MAGA hat, the jackass that just made a right turn from the 3rd lane over on the left, to the bombastic preacher railing ignorantly at your sinfulness for simply being gay. Neighbors one and all.

       Will we have a tendency to flock together with those that share similar beliefs, passions and interests? Of course we will. But let us not get too comfy. Let us not cross to the other side of the road as the Priest and Levite did to avoid seeing and caring. We need to see and allow our neighbors in. Ignorance or closing ones eyes to what is going on is no excuse. I really don't believe God will accept our excuse of 'I didn't know'. We should have known, we should know and if we are accepting our calling to love we would get better glasses so we can be sure we see it all, warts and all. 

       We are not called to a particularly easy task in life if we choose to love as Christ did. Loving our neighbor, empathy, caring, concern all demand energy and openness. For our willingness to be open and love in radical abundance, we pray.

Luke 10:25-37

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What do you read there?’ He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself.’ And he said to him, ‘You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.’
But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, “Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.” Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’