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The Brazilian soccer star Pele was a household name known by young and old alike. He could name his price for endorsements of commercial products. But there is one thing he would never endorse – cigarettes. He could have made a fortune endorsing them but he refused. Why? He explained, “I love kids.” He did not want to do anything that would be harmful or detrimental to children and young people. Out of love, he was committed to his principles and he maintained them.

As we remember the last days of Jesus’ life, we might imagine Jesus being asked why he didn’t run, flee, fight back, defend himself, or soften his message. And perhaps his response would be simple: “I love the world.” Because of love, he remained committed and would not sacrifice his principles, his values, his morals, or his trust in God. He would rather give up his life than give up his trust in God and his message of good news for all people.

As we think about Judas’ betraying Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, Peter denying Jesus, and the other male disciples scattering and hiding this is a time to ask ourseves what compromises are we making? How are we denying and betraying our love for the world? Can others count on us to love: To do what is in their best interests, to not harm them in any way? Can the very creation count on our pure, undivided devotion and love? We should also examine how are we staying true to our beliefs and our commitment to love.

Prayer: Jesus was true to God. His love for the world was pure. We pray for divine love to fill us and to wash away all the distractions and diversions that dilute our loving. We pray to love fully, robustly, and joyfully! No holding back. No turning back. That is the way of Jesus. That is the way of life. Amen.

“Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it,” Jesus instructs his disciples. [Luke 22:8] Jesus, a devout Jew celebrates the Passover according to the dictates of his faith tradition. Passover is a remembrance of the Exodus and the freeing of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. Every spring, Jewish people around the world follow the mandate in the book of Exodus: “You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.” [Exodus 12:14] Despite the threat to his life, Jesus would not be dissuaded from carrying out the rituals and responsibilities of his faith as a Jew. He celebrated Passover right up until the bitter end.

This year the Jewish celebration of Passover began on Monday March 25. Passover often falls near Holy Week for Christians. So Christians and Jews around the world are often celebrating their holy days at the same time. It is ironic then, that the stories of Holy Week are often the ones that are cited when justifying Christian anti-Semitism. That sounds like an oxymoron. Christian anti-Semitism. Can there be Christian anti-Semitism? Can a Christian be a true Christian and be anti-Semitic? Some, including me, would say, “no.” Jesus was a Jew. So to be against Jews is to be against Jesus’ people. Also, to be anti-Semitic violates the Christian commandment to love. In any case, Christians throughout the ages have justified anti Jewish sentiment by pointing to the gospel verses that declare that the Jews killed Jesus. Actually, the Jews did not have the power to carry out capital punishment, so the Jews did not have the authority to kill Jesus. Only the Romans had the authority to crucify. The verses in the gospels pinning Jesus’ death on the Jews stem from the acrimonious separating of Jews who believed that Jesus was the Jewish Messiah from Jews who did not believe that.

Sadly, the story of Holy Week, a story of God’s universal love for all of humanity and all of creation, has also spawned a story of Christian prejudice and violence against Jews.

Last week, as I looked through a circular that comes in the mail, among the classified ads for an antique sofa and and entertainment center, was an advertisement for Passover. This is what it said:

“Passover Peace. It’s at this time of Passover that we renew our dedication to freedom for all the people. As we strengthen our faith we become better human beings. As we become more faithful, we also become more interested in all humanity.”

To me, this sounds like a Jewish affirmation of my faith as a Christian. I hope that we as Christians can affirm the faith of our Jewish sisters and brothers and put an end to anti- Semitism which violates not only the teachings of Jesus, but Jesus himself.

Prayer: This Holy Week, may we celebrate God’s love for all which stops at nothing. May we stop at nothing in our loving in the name of God. May we redeem the death of Jesus with our affirmation of his faith tradition. May our love embrace not only our sisters and brothers in Christ, but our sisters and brothers on the paths of Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and all other spiritual traditions. Amen.

Throughout its history, Christianity has been a religion that has attracted those who are rich as well as those who are poor. Whatever our economic situation, the way of Jesus is a way of life and hope. Those made poor face challenges in life. Those who are materially comfortable also face challenges in life. Whatever our situation, we may be prone to apathy, to self absorption, to despair, to guilt or shame. We all experience grief. We may have a low opinion of ourselves. We may be judgmental of others. We may love to play the blame game. So many of the impulses which diminish our joy, peace, and appreciation for life can affect us regardless of our background, social standing, or economic status.

Back in 1965, my father makes several references in his sermon to the Central Atlantic Conference to those who appear sound from a material perspective, but are still struggling. In one reference, he mentions “the quality of family life in our respective communities which is universally poor, despite gadget-filled houses, plenty of food, lots of churches and community organizations, and almost no poverty. How long will it take us to learn that there are profound human problems which will not be solved by a raise in pay?” Later he mentions, “We have something to say to people who despite their attractive exteriors – made so by orlon, nylon, dacron, Revlon, roll-ons, and whatever else they may have on – are really disillusioned and anxious.”

All people, even those with substantial economic resources, have questions and struggles about values and meaning and relationships. And the church has something to offer all people, whatever their circumstances. This is what my father believed and why he gave his life to the church. I feel the same way. The church is a beacon of love, hope, compassion, and justice in a messy world. The church should be a source of encouragement and inspiration for all regardless of their circumstances, their place in life, their culture, or ethnic background. The church should be shining the light of love in a way that is appreciated by those of other religions. The way of Jesus should not be a threat but should be a source of goodness, generosity, and love for all the world.

May we seek to be a church and a people supportive of all, and may that diversity be evidenced in our congregation.

Prayer: Whoever we are, whatever challenges face us, the message of Jesus is a lifeline of hope and encouragement and new life. May we embrace the Jesus life, even when it means change, risk, or sacrifice. When we follow Jesus, we find wholeness, joy, and peace. Amen.