Unlike the Original

Gospel: Luke 6: 27-38

Modern Christianity bears no likeness whatever to its original form.  Modern Christianity owes its origins to the Enlightenment and its ideas regarding self-interest and protection of one's property.  It is for this reason that the modern Christian scorns immigrants and refugees and supplies themselves with weaponry.  It is for this reason that everyone not exactly like oneself is regarded with suspicion and distrust, if not outright denounced and condemned.  

This modern progeny bears no likeness whatever to the model of Jesus and his teaching today in the Gospel portion.  Here, no self-interest whatsoever is involved.  We are to concern ourselves with the needs of others.  We are to love our enemies and do good to them.  We are to be detached from our possessions and share them freely with others.  

The modern Christian offers many figures to follow and emulate: pundits and politicians, prelates laden with fine vestiges.  But in no instance is the Lord Jesus ever offered as our model and guide, the only model and teacher God has actually given us to follow and imitate.  Today is the day to return again to the way Jesus provides, the way of selfless love and mercy.