In Matthew 22:34-40, Jesus is talking to a group of Pharisees. They ask
him which commandment in the law is the greatest. They really don't
want to know for they are just trying to gather evidence against Jesus.
Jesus's response, however, is one that we all will remember, for he tells all
present, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and
with all your soul, and with all your mind." This is the greatest
commandment according to Jesus.
But Jesus doesn't stop here. He continues by telling the people that there is
another commandment, one just like it, "You shall love your neighbor as
yourself." All of the other commandments fall into place automatically
if one follows these two commandments that Jesus gave to us on that day
so long ago.
As I look around at the faces
of the people of this congregation and look into your eyes, I can't
help but see and feel the presence of God's wondrous love that lies
within your hearts. It is evidenced in the love that we have for one
another and for all who enter the doors to God's church here in
Buckeystown.
Jesus gave his followers a job to do. We know it as "The Great Commission." In Matthew 28:18-19,
Jesus says, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,..."
This is our true mission as followers of Christ, for if we truly love one
another as the scriptures tell us to do, we will extend that love to
all we meet and with that love comes and invitation to become a child
of God.
It is my prayer that we continue
our ministry together at Buckeystown United Methodist Church, that our
ministry and mission will continue to grow. May we always have open
doors, open hearts, and open minds towards all who come seeking God's
grace, peace, and love. May the love we have in our hearts come out to
all we meet as we welcome them into our Church family.
Blessing, love and peace to you all!
Reverend Linda Healy