We Are Commanded to Love One Another

John 15:17 (NRSV)

Jesus said to his disciples, "I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

Today is the commemoration of Sts. Simon and Jude who traditionally have been known as "Apostles to Persia". Because these two men were Apostles today is what we call in our Episcopal Church calendar a red letter day. 

We do not know as much as we would like to about these two Apostles.  We know that Catholics have offered novena's to St. Jude and often we will see devotions to the Saint in the classified section of the newspaper.  We know of the incredible work of St. Jude's Children's Hospital.  A facility known for its outstanding work on behalf of children who have cancer.    St. Simon is most likely the Zealot, whom that is pretty much all we know.  It is said that both actually died very peaceful deaths as opposed to others who were beheaded, crucified or tortured in other ways.  

I am having one of those days when I have a lot on my mind.  The elections are coming up.  The Tea Party has many people scared to death.  Last night Keith Olbermann on MSNBC gave a wonderful special comment about why we all need to go out and vote next November 2.  I have things to do, people to call and responsibilities to my husband.   Yet, in the midst of all this stuff to do, I have to stop and write this blog today.  Because in the Gospel for today's commemoration are the words: "Love one another."

The words of Jesus: "love one another" are hard words for me to read/hear.  I like things to go my way.  I might not be so loving of others next week if Republicans or Tea Party folks win elections on Tuesday.  I have a real hard time trying to convince people who have been so offended by Christians like Sharon Angle of Nevada promoting attack ads against immigrants and African Americans and others who are not white, Christian, heterosexual or other wise, that someone like her should be loved, because Jesus said to "love one another."   I have a very hard time with "love one another" with Minnesota Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Emmer having participated in a Christian Rap group that sings a tune saying: "You Can Run, But You Can't Hide" aimed particularly at me, a gay man and my husband, and many of my good friends here in Minnesota.  Being told by Jesus to "love one another" is real difficult for me to do with Archbishop Nienstedt and his anti-marriage equality DVD and that fact that a number of my good friends will be refused Communion this upcoming  Sunday because they will be wearing a rainbow colored sash at St. Paul's Cathedral.

The fact that Jesus tells me I must love them as Jesus loves me, does not in any way mean that I must agree or approve of what they do.   Being asked to love them means it is my responsibility to call them out when they are imploring "spiritual malpractice and doctrinal abuse" upon myself and others like me.  Jesus gave us the commandments to love one another even toward those who misuse the Bible and their pastoral authority to abuse LGBTQ people and other minorities.  It is a very loving thing to tell Archbishop Nienstedt that he and his Priests as St. Paul's Cathedral are using "spiritual malpractice and doctrinal abuse" when they refuse the Presence of God in the Eucharist to people wearing a rainbow sash.  As is the authority that came from Cardinal Arinze in 2005 from Rome that told former Archbishop Harry Flynn to do that.  It is quite loving to not vote for Sharon Angle, Christine O'Donnell, Tom Emmer, Carl Paladino, and so many more because of their outrageous homophobic statements.  It is very loving to disagree with the Archbishop of Canterbury's statements towards LGBTQ people and the Episcopal Church when the Diocese of Los Angeles ordained Suffragan Bishop Mary Glasspool.   It is a very loving thing to tell the Anglican Bishop of Uganda and the leaders of Uganda that their bill to "kill the gays" by hanging and/or putting them in prison for life is so wrong that it should not even be printed on Government paper.  It is quite loving to tell Lou Engle that he sounds like Adolf Hitler when he rallies his crowds against any group of people that are not quite like him.  When Christians insight violence and influence hate, they are doing wrong to Christ and the Church.  

We are commanded to love one another.  That means that we tell Church leaders that when they or anyone for that matter scapegoats, LGBTQ, immigrants, people without health care, poor people, people of different races, women, Jewish, Islam and other people for their personal, financial and political gain, they are profaning the Name of Jesus Christ and violating the commandment of love.   Love demands that we sacrifice our popular stature to take a lash or two rhetorically or even literally for standing up for the truth, that all human beings are created in the image of God, and that we "strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being. with God's help." (BCP 294).   That is why the work of the Church to accept and include LGBTQ, women, and all people within our doors, and to share in the Sacraments is so very important.  It is just one way in which we fulfill Christ's commandment to "love one another."

O God, we thank you for the glorious company of the apostles, and especially on this day for Simon and Jude; and we pray that, as they were faithful and zealous in their mission, so we may with ardent devotion make known the love and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Collect for Sts. Simon and Jude, Book of Common Prayer, page 245). 

Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen. (Prayer for Mission, Book of Common Prayer, page 101).

Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.

Lord, keep this nation under your care.

To all who have executive authority and to all who have administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.

Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To those who make our laws give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.

Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.

Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name. For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen. (Prayer for Sound Government, BCP, pages 821-822).


Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States (or, of this community) in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for an Election, BCP, page 822).