Wednesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Jesus is keeping it real today, really real. Jesus is nearing the end of his ministry as his disciples have experienced it, and he sees his trial, death, and resurrection ahead. He will be put on trial for his witness to and enactment of God’s kingdom of love, in which all are welcomed and all are equal. Many love Jesus and share his vision for God’s reign in which “the lowly are lifted up and the mighty are cast down;” in which “the hungry are filled with good things” and the “rich are sent away empty,” to quote his mother Mary in her Magnificat.
At the same time, God’s reign is threatening for those who fear losing their power and status, for those who do not yet realize the freedom they are given when they loosen their grip and trust in God, surrendering to love. So Jesus, God’s Love Incarnate, is hated, especially by those in power who have much to lose. Jesus reminds his disciples, us, today that when we love with God’s unconditional love, it will be threatening to some. When we love each person we encounter with the radical all-inclusive love of God, some will hate us, and we will be persecuted.
He is also reminding us that in many ways, God’s love does not make logical sense to our human way of thinking. And so, even our defense of our faith is an act of surrender, of trusting that God will give us the words and wisdom in the moment to move hearts. We can trust that Love will lead us, not only in our actions, but also in our speech; not only when we are reaching out and in solidarity with those who are most vulnerable, but also when we ourselves become most vulnerable.
Jesus is keeping it real. We will be hated by some when we love this inclusively. And God, who is Love, will give us what we need to move hearts when our human logic fails.
—Kelly Adamson