Sermons by Rev. Jason S. Glombicki (Page 10)

There is no easy way around it. Today’s gospel reading is a tall order. “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” Or, to translate a bit differently from the Greek, “pray for those who insult or hurt you.” Jesus’ words are not standard practice in our world. Far too often, retribution, revenge, hatred, insult, rejection, intimidation, and the like seem to propel us further…

Today’s gospel is the conclusion of a narrative arc that we started last Sunday. In case you forgot where we are in the story: Jesus was in his hometown, and he read from Isaiah in the synagogue. This passage builds out the vision of God’s plan to “bring good news to the poor…proclaim release to the captives…sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

First and foremost, I want to congratulate you. You made an excellent choice coming to worship today. You have an advantage over everyone else in the year ahead. Not only are you making a commitment to self-care by caring for your spiritual life, but you’re also getting a key insight into everything else that is to come…