The thing that's sticking with me from Grant's sermon this morning is the difference between TELLING (or teaching) and SHOWING. In the Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus begins to SHOW his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. They are not happy with the lesson, especially Peter. It's how we're made - especially contemporary Americans, I think - in the words of another wise pastor: Americans don't want a savior who dies. We want a Superman savior who defeats evil without ever having to do something stupid like getting crucified and being raised from the dead. But we humans do need to be shown love. And that's what the cross does, in a way that cannot be ignored.
The famous quote from St. Francis of Assissi comes to mind: "Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words." Words are good, and helpful, and often necessary. When God speaks, things happen (remember "Let there be light" and there WAS).
When it comes to love, though, and hospitality, compassion and forgiveness among us people, words alone aren't enough. We need to be shown.
Who has shown you God's love? How? What made it a powerful experience?
To whom can you show God's love?
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