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 Greetings!  
  
   The skies are already dark here in the Burgh. The smell and feel of the wind tell us that a storm is coming. We don't need to hear the dire warnings on the radio or see the latest on TV to know that we're in for something, maybe something very big . . .    
   But nothing could be bigger than next week's gospel lesson where, in a couple of sentences, Jesus sums up everything in the Mosaic Law and the teachings of the prophets. Take a look at Mark 12:28-34 an d you'll see what we mean (you'll also find it in Mathe lawtthew 22:34-40 and Luke 10:25-28).
   In verse 29, Jesus begins by reciting the first part of what is known as the Shema, the central or primary Jewish prayer, which can be found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. It's part of what is written on a small scroll which is then tucked into a mezuzah and affixed to the right side of the doorway to one's home in response to the command to write those words "on the doorposts of your house and on your gates" (Deuteronomy 6:9). 
   Jesus doesn't stop there. He also says that second thing we are to do is love our neighbors as ourselves [not as we love ourselves, but as they our neighbor is us]. He goes on to say that all the rules and regulations and all the teachings of the prophets hang on those two commands. And, they are commands; they're not the two great suggestions . . .
   They are key to a Theology of the Cross which is different from most. It is rooted in Jesus' teaching in this gospel lesson. It begins with a Vertical Theology - the call to love God with all that we are, a connection to/with "something" greater than the self.
   That's the upright member of the cross, if you will.
   We do not exist in a vacuum; life is not about an isolated, insulated, "personal" relationship with God. Jesus says as much. And that brings us to a horizontal Theology - the call to love others as ourselves.
   Just as a cross is not a cross without both the vertical and horizontal members, we cannot become fully alive unless our love for God and our love for others become complete. That wholeness comes when the two theologies meet.
   We may not get to that place at the center of the cross from which love flows so freely. But, if we pick that cross up and follow, Jesus will show us the way.
   We're not so sure that Paul would agree with us on that one, at least not if we read Hebrews 9:11-14 which is this week's lectionary pick. But, the author[s] of Psalm 126 sure would and Ruth 1:1-18 offers a good example of the heart's desire for oneness with God and others when Ruth says "Where you go, I will go; Where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God."
   How does all of this strike you? What would it be like if you loved God with all that you are? What would it be like if you loved others as though they were you? What would the world be like if we opened ourselves to that possibility?  
   We hope that you'll share your thoughts/feeling either by dropping Steve a note [address below] or by joining us for GodTalk which meets in the second floor chapel at 85 Grand Street (aka The Brick Building), Newburgh, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening. We begin with some catch up time followed by centering music, prayer, a reading of the gospel and a no holds barred conversation. We'll be pleased to have you join our merry band (use the link below to let us know you'll be coming). 

   

We wish you abundant joy!

 

The Rev. Steve Ruelke

Ecclesia Ministries of Newburgh

P: 845-527-0405

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