Free to Love

"The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because they are generally the same people." - G.K. Chesterton

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Sunday, January 25, 2009
Mark 1:14-20

When Jesus called the first few disciples, they left their possessions and their families to follow Him, to be "fishers of men". Today as followers of Jesus, we are not exactly called to leave our career and family, but to gain sufficient perspectives to fit all parts of our life to the Christian way. While many parts of scriptures teach us to take our responsibilities to family, livelihood and property seriously, it also tells us that serving others in need is serving God himself, and failing to serve those in need is failing to serve him (Mt 25:31-46).

The call to serve God today may come in many subtle forms and opportunities. They are all around us if we look hard enough. We tend to be very busy and so engrossed with our private concerns but when we venture outside our own little world, around us we will notice the hungry; the imprisoned; the naked; the thirsty; the sick ... "the least of our brethren" that have so much more difficulties than we do. We can probably claim that we are not responsible for their condition and we don't owe them. However the scripture also says, "owe nothing to anyone, except love" (Rom 13:8).

Jesus provides an illustration in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:28-37), where we see a complete stranger going out of his way, providing for the needs of another person in a dangerous place. Today's good Samaritan provides care for the physically and emotionally wounded; looks after the orphan, the homeless; assists the jobless; serves the church or community. It is also a blessing that we have those ordained religious who consecrate their lives to Christ. But today, many of those who respond to the call of Jesus don't have even have to leave their possessions and families behind. They just leave their private comfort zones, and in turn they find comfort in following Jesus. They are never too busy to spend time and resources, for they know that in the first place, everything they have comes from God. Trust God to put order into the lives of those who follow Him, and frees them from everyday worries. As G.K. Chesterton also realized, "it is only by loving and serving God through His Church that perfect freedom may be found".
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