We come to Jesus' sermon where he talks about "You have heard it said...but I say to you" passage. These words of Jesus are difficult to take since they offer dramatic images of cutting off body parts and judgment of fire in hell to get his message across. These hyperbolic images point to a message that God deeply cares about our relationships. According to Jesus, it's not enough to keep the laws that one should not murder, commit adultery, divorce and give false witness. He demands that we go beyond what is required by the law and digs deep into the human heart. We need to treat each other with respect and hate no one. We need to see others not as objects of our desire or means to an end. We need to speak truth and gain the trust of others so that our "yes" is yes and "no," no. The laws that govern human relationships are not enough, but understanding the heart matters. This tells us what the kingdom of heaven is like, the reality of God we are called to live into. That's what the sermon on the mount is all about. As a matter of fact, it's more important than coming to church when you have a relationship that needs attention. Jesus says resolve or settle the dispute or whatever problems you may have with your brother or sister before coming to the temple. Jesus also spoke against those who abused their wives in a patriarchal world where husbands gave certificates of divorce at will, leaving women without protection from poverty. The message of Jesus is clear, our relationship matters to God, who seeks just relationships. The disposition of our heart matters too, to be in the right place, showing respect, dignity and love.

Come this Sunday, I want you to think about a relationship that is very important to you, a relationship that is good and whole. Think of that person who has inspired you or nurtured you. As you think of the person, I want to invite you to give thanks to God for that person. During the service I also want you to think about a relationship that is important to you but somehow your relationship with that person has suffered. Without blaming anyone, I want to invite you to hold that person in your prayer and seek God's guidance and wisdom to find ways you can take action to heal and mend the relationship, trusting that God will give you the courage, strength and faith to heal the broken relationship. Come this Sunday, in worship you will be challenged to seek God and live into just and loving relationships that matter!

Pastor Dae