Luke 14:25-33 – The 16th Sunday after Pentecost – for Sunday, September 4, 2016
“Whoever comes to me and doesn’t hate father and mother, spouse and children, and brothers and sisters—yes, even one’s own life—cannot be my disciple.†(Luke 14:26)
I hate you! Hear me as a seven-year old kid yelling at my older sister because she did or didn’t do something that seemed unfair.
I hate you! Hear my anguished thoughts about my soon-to-be-former wife (who I no longer loved, honored, or obeyed) as I staggered through a divorce in my mid-twenties.
There are other voices . . .
I hate you! Hear the malicious anger of a white male in 21st century America who is convinced a woman or person of color or gay man received preferential treatment for a new job and/or a raise.
I hate you! Hear the Trump supporter belittle Clinton. Hear the Clinton supporter demean Trump. Hear or read the regular, relentless, roiling, raging voices streaming through flat screen televisions and high-tech phones and tablets, as 24/7 attacks are unleashed on “the other.â€
Are you a Christian?
I am.
Oh how I (try, try, try to) follow Jesus. Continue reading →