After the terrorist attacks in Paris in November 2015, anxiety and anger rose to fever pitch. Debates raged. Islamophobia gripped our politicians and talks around the water cooler. The theme seemed to be “We must stay safe at all costs!”
Naturally, I wanted to remain safe, but something didn’t feel right. So I began researching how the turmoil caused by ISIS in the Middle East led to a refugee crisis that rippled around the world. I prayed and wondered and worried. I remembered Jesus’ new commandment, “Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13:34). And the thought wouldn’t leave me that Jesus didn’t add “when it is convenient” or even “when it’s safe.”
He simply said love. His life and death bore witness to God’s emphasis on loving those who are hurting, persecuted, hated.
Today is the fifth Sunday of Easter. The readings are Acts 11:1-18; Psalm 148; Revelation 21:1-6; John 13:31-35. From “Love One Another,” by Michelle Terry, in the March 2016 issue of Café.
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