Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once stated that South Africa had “the world’s worst racism”, with the atrocities of Apartheid. When Nelson Mandela (who spent 27 years in prison for opposing apartheid) and the white South African President F.W. de Klerk jointly accepted the Nobel Peace Prize (for their work to end apartheid regime), it felt like a betrayal for some. How could each dare to join with the “enemy”?
In the scripture passage this Sunday (based on Luke 6:27-38), Jesus talks about loving our enemies. That doesn’t mean putting ourselves in unsafe situations, or ignoring our pain. It does invite us not to respond to hate with hate, to recognize the complexity of each of us, and to open ourselves to the healing power of love and forgiveness.
We will explore this together on Sunday. The sermon is titled, “The Redemptive Power of Loving Our Enemies”. The scripture passage will be read by Nicole Griffin. Our Sanctuary Singers will lead us in singing, with Matthew Wachtman accompanying. There will be a moment for children, prayers and reflections, hymns, and the gift of community.
If you have been part of the St. Mark’s community for decades, or will be joining us for the first time, we look forward to connecting with those of you here in-person or joining on the live stream.