Saturday

Matthew 5: 43 – 48

You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matt Bonner of the San Antonio Spurs is a pretty decent basketball player, the current leader in 3 point shooting (a percentage of .497, making half of his outside the perimeter shots). That’s the best NBA has to offer?

In professional football, Dave Dickenson of the Calgary Stampeders had a 74 percent passing completion record (hitting his man three our of four times).

A baseball player is a sensation if he hits four out of ten times at the plate.
We have high expectations of professional athletes who are paid big money to play their respective games. If they are successful more than half of the time, they’re usually considered to be excellent.

What does Jesus say God expects of us? Nothing less than perfection. A win every time. To always be kind to every family member, fellow worker and stranger on the street.

So how are you doing? If there was a team of Moral Athletes, would you be drafted? I know I wouldn’t. But that is what this season of Lent is about. A time to remember that we don’t measure up to the standards of moral excellence. That’s why we look forward to Good Friday and Easter.

anonymous