Love One Another to Love the Unlovely: a Reflection on Psalm 39, Psalm 14, Genesis 35:1-20, 1 John 3

Jesus’ death led to good. Lazarus’ death caused great distress in his family. Jesus’ death provided the way for reconciliation with the Father. Jesus was raised from the dead. Lazarus’ was as well, but his resurrection was to make an affirmation of Jesus’ promise that he too would be raised. Lazarus’ resurrection made a point. Jesus’ resurrection made a difference that would be eternal for those who would believe. The psalmist relied on his own strength. He later confessed the naiveté of his ways and proclaimed that his hope was in the LORD. Because of that hope, the righteous could rejoice in the LORD. Like Jacob, followers of Jesus must hear his plea to put away foreign gods: legislating morality, greed and the marginalization of the poor might be a few. We are to love one another. As we love one another, we are more able to love the unlovely. For we understand how unlovely we once were before we came to know Jesus.

Scripture texts are taken from the two-year daily lectionary cycle which follows the liturgical calendar and begins on the First Sunday of Advent.