Reading
Matthew 5:43-48
Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Devotion
In anticipation of the Fourth of July, today's painting is Jean Leon Gerome Ferris's (1863-1930), Writing the Declaration of Independence, 1776. Ferris created this masterpiece in about 1920 as a part of The Pageant of a Nation series of 78 scenes. This oil on canvas painting currently dwells in the Virginia Historical Society in Richmond, VA.
The Declaration of Independence is one of the three quintessentially American documents in history (the other two being, in my mind, the Gettysburg Address and the Letter from a Birmingham Jail--if you want to know what it means to be an American, at least aspirationally, read these three documents!). What I love about this painting, and why it is among my favorites, is all the discarded paper on the floor. Even three masterminds like Franklin, Adams, and Jefferson, are not first draft and done...they are diligently pouring over every word, every phrase, every thought, and making lots of mistakes and reworks. Even when they were done, it took more negotiating over the language in the larger body of the Continental Congress.
When I consider the words of Jesus in Matthew, especially about praying for one's enemies, I find it helpful to actually try to write a prayer down on paper or in an electronic document. I never get a prayer for an enemy correct on the first draft. There are always pages of paper on the floor (or the constant backspacing over electrons or deleting whole phrases). My spiritual practice is a work in progress. Praying a prayer that aligns my spirit with Jesus' Spirit, for someone who persecutes me??? Ugh. And yet, we and the faith we hold, are propositions to be demonstrated through transformed lives. Forgiveness takes practice. What might you write down this day, dear reader, that, in the Light of Christ, might need to end up on the floor?
Prayer
Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)