by The Rev. Deacon Kitty Davis
This past week I read an article by Diana Butler Bass, the author of many books including Christianity after Religion. In this article she explains the difference between the Great Commission and the Great Command. She states that historically, the Great Commission is a statement attributed to Jesus at the close of the Gospel of Matthew – “Go and make disciples of all nations.” The Great Command is what Jesus called the summary of the law “Love God and love your neighbor as yourself.” Scholars are in agreement that Jesus actually gave the Great Command. About the Great Commission, they are less than certain.
Nevertheless, that Commission has, throughout the centuries, been interpreted as a rallying cry of sorts. Those words at the end of the Gospel of Mark have led thousands to believe that it was their duty – more, their life calling – to continue the spread of Christianity. Bass explains that the Great Commission without the Great Command results in intolerance, militarism, and Crusades. The Great Commission, without love of God and love of neighbor, becomes selfish and self-serving. Bass states, “… if you just go out and evangelize people and you aren’t paying attention to loving God and loving neighbor as yourself, you are always going to wind up in a bad place.”
Also this past week, I heard a news report that the synagogue in Paris was closed for Sabbath observation this weekend. It is the first time since World War II that this has happened. This occurred as the result of acts of terrorism committed under the guise of true religion. I am confident that the terrorists believe that they are behaving as their true religion prefers for them to behave. That makes me enormously sad.
Perhaps the way to live in this world is found in the Gospel of John 13:35:
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
Loving one another means loving all people – whether they be pink, green, or purple people; whether they be at home or on the other side of the world people; whether they be good people or not so good people. May those who remember us, remember us for our love.
The Rev. Deacon Kitty Davis serves as deacon to St. James Episcopal Church. Kitty is also a therapist and is a native Wilmingtonian. She and her husband enjoy life on the waterfront, life with dogs, parenthood and grandparenthood.
stjamesblog
Between Sundays 