A note from Pastor Travis 5/16/25

This Sunday’s Gospel reading is John 13:31-35. These verses are a part of the conversation that Jesus has with the disciples on the night of the last supper. He is giving them his final instructions. As a part of those final instructions, he felt that is was important to remind them of his teaching of loving God, neighbor, and self.  In verse 34 Jesus says, “A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” This message of love and care for neighbor is at the very heart of Jesus’ teachings and what it means to be a disciple.

The book of James teaches us that love is always expressed through action. It isn’t enough to talk about love, it must be lived out through our care of others. James calls this love in action “works,” and says that without works faith is dead. The teachings of Jesus and the entire New Testament make it clear that faith in Christ is manifest in our love of others, and discipleship is expressed in concrete actions of care for others.

Our nation has adopted a policy that further marginalizes the poor and the immigrant. It marginalizes people because of the race, sexual orientation, and gender expression. These things are not new, but in the past few years, it felt like we were making progress toward becoming a more inclusive society. Any progress that had been made has now been erased. Furthermore, our nation seems to delight in the cruel treatment of marginalized communities.

The question is, how are we as a people of faith to respond. We have heard the words of Jesus who calls us to love our neighbors. We understand that scripture teaches us to love. Others mean to act with compassion and care. There are many who need our compassion and care at the moment, how will we respond?

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Travis