Sometimes we hear others say, or say ourselves, Ugh, the Holy Week story is so negative. I far prefer Easter to Good Friday.

The lectionary reading this morning, the fourth Sunday in Lent, comes from the Gospel according to John, chapter 9, verses 1-41.

The scripture reading this morning comes from the Gospel according to Luke, chapter 17, verses 1-4.  The reading we’re about to hear is short, but it comes in the narrative here just a few beats before Jesus rides into Jerusalem triumphantly to face the events of the passion and the cross.  And these short sayings of Jesus are surrounded on all sides by some of the greatest and most recognizable parables and predictions – all leading up to the dramatic final events of Jesus’ life.  The author of the Gospel of Luke wants us to really hear these words, to hear their incredible call to action.  Listen to these words – how urgent they are.  And they’re all the more urgent in light of the tidal wave of violence, betrayal, and separation that is about to overwhelm Jesus’ story.  Let us now hear the Word of God:

I spent the last couple days in Cleveland, at our denomination’s Mother House, with a group of pastors who also write for our national website. A number of them live and serve right in Ohio, and tell hair-raising stories of what it is like to be pastors in such a politically polarized state. Can you imagine what it is like to preach or pray about anything at all that is going on in the world while worrying about alienating half of your church?

Disclaimer: Is Jesus saying that if we have been mistreated by someone, we should not call them out for it? That if we are systemically abused, physically or verbally, by a partner, we should go back for more? Isn’t that enabling their behavior? Aren’t we putting others at risk by not holding abusive people accountable?

The lectionary reading this Sunday, the fifth Sunday of Epiphany, comes from the Gospel according to Mark, Chapter 5, verses 13-16.