This Sunday’s Gospel reading in many Churches is a hard one to process. The writings of Luke are straight forward and not always warm and fuzzy. In Luke 6:27-38, we are introduced to the “Golden Rule” and to love our enemies. Once again, Jesus turns the world upside down or for some, right side up. This concept of loving our enemies was not something readily accepted 2000 years ago nor is today. Growing up, the Golden Rule was part of our education process. It was on posters in our classrooms at school. Work places used it as a way for employees to work more as a team. Pictures and nicely painted art work were in place in our homes. We were able to buy into the concept of treating others as you would like to be treated. This is a good foundation to living a faith-filled life. Then, Jesus drops the other shoe. Loving our enemies was a charge that Jesus gave to his disciples as another part of their training to help build his church here on earth. As a church, we are tasked with many things that make us feel good. We feed the hungry, clothe those in need, take care of the sick. All these give us a positive feeling when we do them. The ‘enemies’ part is one that we are not comfortable doing. How can we love someone who is against our very being? It is not easy being a faithful follower of Jesus. Most times, it is very messy. We need to be transformed by God’s grace to move towards our loving those that don’t love us. God challenges us everyday to do the right thing even when we are not sure we can. We need the grace from God to help us reach beyond who we think we can be. This amazing gift of grace is a tool that lifts us when hard things come our way. The season of Lent and Easter are fast approaching. Lent is a time to help us focus…not only on the things we can get rid of but also a time to focus on doing something to enrich our lives community and neighbors. Taking time to love our enemies might just be that ‘doing thing” to focus on this Lent season. Ash Wednesday is March 6th this year. I encourage you to take some time that day to start your Lenten focus by attending a service in your community. Our church doors are always open…so on March 6th get your Ash in Church for a time to focus on the Good News that God has given all of us.