Third Sunday in Lent, 2022

(Moon set this past Thursday morning)

 Hard to believe it’s the third Sunday in Lent. Only three more weeks until Palm Sunday. The snow is melting here in the Northwoods and Spring seems to have arrived. Everyone’s been saying we’ve had a hard Winter, but I didn’t think it was too bad. Plus, if it doesn’t get dragged out until April, I’m okay with that.

But what does Jesus have to say to us today during his Sermon on the Mount? And what does it mean to us?

Matthew 5, verses 33 through 48, New Living Translation

Teaching about Vows

“You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

Teaching about Revenge

“You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.

Teaching about Love for Enemies

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

How are we all doing with loving our enemies this week? Even if it is an enemy who lives halfway around the world and you will never meet them, it’s still an enemy who affects our lives. Are any of us loving them? Only by the grace of God.