April 18                                                      John 18:1-19

In the midst of the horrifying story of the betrayal, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus stands an illuminating detail, at least for me. The religious authorities are very careful not to enter the headquarters of the governor, Pontius Pilate. It is Passover time, and entering the territory of a Gentile would make them ritually unclean and therefore unable to share in the feast. Cause the betrayal of someone, conduct a trial on trumped up charges, demand the excruciating death of an innocent man - but don't go too close to a Gentile.

How easily our religious sensibilities veer off in the wrong direction. How often do I let the finer details, the rules and regulations, overcome the heart and soul of what it means to be faithful?

A friend passed on the wisdom of an older priest to me many years ago: there will be moments in your ministry when you are completely correct theologically or liturgically, and you will 100% wrong pastorally. Jesus said love God with everything and love your neighbor as yourself. This priest wonders: Do the laws, the regulations, the minutiae help me do that? Or will I let them blind me to the presence of the innocent, holy One?

Rev. Bill Locke+