Far from considering his followers as above contemporary movements, Jesus points out our potential allies and partners in society, people of good will who share with us a passion for the poor and vulnerable, recognize our faith community’s contributions, and may even give us a glass of water, with time to chat, along our common way.
Following Christ by putting our faith into a lifelong practice of effective love allows us to grow in the new life of the Reign of God, and oppose the inhumanity of violent policies and structures of our society.
Nourished by Jesus Christ, the Eucharistic Bread of Life, we find the freedom from fear that allows us to live as his followers, unafraid of criticisms, threats …or arson.
As we try to get things done in life, on time and in good order, we may still have to learn the liberating lesson of the constant receptivity and priorities of God.