Mtr Mary Trainor

If it was easy, anyone could do it.

Dear friend,

I remember quite clearly the first time I heard that phrase. It was uttered by an old boss of mine who desperately needed a last-minute job done.

I fell for it, flattered to think I was uniquely qualified to help him.

Being encouraged that way got the best work out of me, too. After all, I wasn’t just “anyone” –because “anyone” couldn’t do it.

But maybe it’s not always about manipulation through flattery. In some instances, it very well may be that we are the ones called upon for certain work.

Today’s Gospel from Luke brings this to mind.

Jesus asks a lot of us. In a rather long passage he tells his followers to do hard things. Love the enemy. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Sure, this can make for a challenging life. But if it was easy, I can almost hear Jesus say, anyone could do it.

And it’s true, I believe Jesus calls his followers to a greater responsibility as his disciples. Anyone (in this case, sinners) can love people who love them, he says. We  who follow Jesus are asked to do more: “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return.”

***

I worry a bit that this idea of never saying no, never being unfriendly, lending freely, might put some people at risk. I certainly don’t want someone to be victimized for their loving ways, nor do I want that for myself.

You’ll have to figure how Jesus’ teachings guide your life day in and day out. But I’ve come to believe that my truth is this: I don’t sacrifice very much on a daily basis to follow Jesus. Some, sure. 

But largely I convince myself out of doing a lot of good things because I don’t do heinous things. I am not a career criminal, doing actual wrong to people. But that’s not enough. It’s good. But it’s not enough. What Jesus is asking is that we do things to help people. It’s not enough simply not to fleece them or take their very life. We are to be actively good.

And not just anyone can do that. And no one can do that without the support of God in Christ.

Mtr Mary