The Oasis - November 2, 2022
Author: Rev. Eric Dupee
November 02, 2022
As I was preparing for for All Saints Sunday, I read one of the assigned scripture readings: Luke 6:20-31, a segment of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Plain.” Verse 27 reads, “But I say to you who are willing to hear: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you. (Luke 6:27-28).” In Eugene Peterson’s modern translation, The Message, it reads as follows: “To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with energies of prayer for that person.”
I don’t think I’ve ever thought of someone I would consider an enemy as a saint. However, I do think enemies have a role to play in our spiritual development. Our enemies might be the only people who tell us the truth about ourselves. Friends, not wanting to hurt our feelings, my shelter us from the hard truths. As I think about the Saints in my life: family members, teachers, mentors, friends, and church members, wonder if I need to include some “enemies” on that list. Who are the saints in your life you might want to honor and remember this Sunday?
Please see the invitations to the Men’s Gathering and to the Advent study and all the other important news in this Oasis. Advent begins November 27th.
Blessings,
Eric
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