SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
21 May 2017
Homily
“If you love me…..” Those words from Jesus in the gospel are haunting
They are words which put all of us on our guard?
They come from our spouses: “If you love me, you would……”
From our parents–no matter how old we are:
“If you don’t want to disappoint us you would…..”
From our friends, again more often implied but still there:
“If you were really my friend you would…..”
“If you love me……”
In most cases, we do love the people who make such statements to us.
And yet we all experience this need to be reminded that love obliges?
That what seems to be a gift, is really a responsibility?
Our culture tells us love is among those things in life that shouldn’t cost anything.
And yet as Christians we know it does cost. After all, we have the cross.
Love costs, and love obliges.
Our being here today isn’t free.
I’m always a little amazed at people who come here and kind of soak up “churchiness”
People who won’t say a word–not to any of the responses.
People who won’t sing a word–even though it’s prayer.
People who pass the collection basket like it’s a germ ridden handkerchief–
And not being embarrassed that they put nothing in.
Coming here is all free. It shouldn’t cost anything.
That is both true and very untrue.
After all, we have the cross.
After all we have generations of our ancestors in the faith who gave up their lives
Because loving the Lord obliged.
After all, real people sacrificed real parts of their lives to make sure this building got built.
After all, who wants cheap love, easy love?
Don’t we all want the real thing?