Today, we are being challenged on what is required to be a follower of Jesus.

First, let’s look at the context for Deuteronomy 26:16-19.  Earlier, Deuteronomy 6:4 records The Great Shema recited by observant Jews first thing each morning: “Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your might.”  This is the fundamental revelation of Jahweh to his people. Their God is one who expects followers to love and follow him by abiding by his laws.  This is ‘ethical monotheism’ different from the polytheism of their Canaanites neighbors.

Our passage later in Deuteronomy (26:16-19) records Moses, the ‘law giver,’ expanding on the covenant relationship between Israel and Jahweh.  He will be their God and have a unique bond with them, but they must adhere to his commandments. The law becomes the gateway to an abiding relationship with Yahweh who will protect and raise up the Jewish nation, if they obey his laws.  

In the Gospel reading from Matthew 5:43-48 written for a Jewish audience, Jesus expands requirements for His followers. They must love more than their own clan, they must love their enemies. “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. . .” Actually, neither the Hebrew Scriptures nor Rabbinic teaching advocates ‘hating your enemy.’  Yet, it was a popular practice to disdain adversaries, strangers and foreigners. What we are being taught is that we must pattern our response after Jesus’s example. A loving response from the heart should be more than simply ethical behavior. 

What do these scriptures mean for us today?  As Fr. Bob always asked, “So what?”  I guess for me the tough challenge is to be kind and empathize with those with whom I disagree without disparaging their perspective.  Being a jerk is easy!  I must wrestle, with Jesus’s help, to love. How will I measure up to Jesus’s coaching? We know what Jesus asks of us and we have a choice.  Will I respond now with an open heart to Jesus’s call to love and be kind to those who do not share my same viewpoint or will I put this challenge aside for another day? Please Lord, help me grow during this Lenten season.