Love makes enemies?

No, that can't be... love is nice and makes us feel good! Not according to Jesus; love empowers us to do the scandelous, the difficult, demands honesty. And one doesn't do these "crazy" things so that others will talk about what great persons they are. Because even though others are going to talk, soon the one who does such things called faithful will be required to challenge the status que, to confront selfishness, to say yes to even exile and death while discovering life.

Like Galli, I remember the stories of those who went out into the mission field and died for the faith; those who were willing to leave behind everything for the call of Christ. More spiritualization ahead; I am more than ready to "give up my soul" for the gift of ministry. But what about my life? Yes, I think all of us would be willing to face death for those we love. but what about face life with those we love? Julie, who gives a kidney so that her father can live, knowing that her future is more fragile. Carol, whose readiness to offer care leads her to the halls of healing and death so that she serves as a bridge between heaven and earth. Jim, whose hours are marked by silent stretches of of service without cheering crowds or accolades. Ryan, who gives up his Sunday afternoon to go sing words of hope for a collection of people who have often have no hope. So many others as well; and I am not talking simply about the folks who "make our worship more enjoyable" or "do something nice for someone." Sadly, we reward ourselves for what Jesus will tell us are requisites, requirements, expectations of the kingdom. And no further we travel, just content that "I do good things". Not loving things, not life giving things; just good things. For the kingdom to come, the will of Christ must be done. And that requires a love which pushes us beyond ourselves and into the realm of death, of sorrow, of madness, of pain. Then we are doing ministry, then we are purveyors of life. And a love that will make us if not enemies, at least some critics.