The Transformative Power of Love

 Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

The Old Testament is filled with genealogies.  Matthew and Luke’s gospels each trace Jesus’ back to Abraham and Adam.  Yet being part of a Christian family, going to church every Sunday, does not make me Christian any more than standing in a garage could make me a car.  So on the one hand, it is reassuring and inspiring to think of that “great cloud of witnesses”, on the other hand, it is potentially damaging if that somehow prevents us from living out the rest of this passage.  I believe Luke’s genealogy traces the faithful believers in God from Adam, the “son of God”, to Jesus, God Incarnate.  From one believer to the next, from one person to the next.  

When we are baptized and when we are confirmed into the Church, in the Episcopal arm of the Body of Christ, a bishop lays hands on each of us.  That bishop was blessed by a bishop at their ordination.  And so we could trace back the heritage of our faith all the way to Peter and to Jesus.  

At the Dante presentation last month at St. Luke's, Dr. Riccardo Bruscagli talked about the transformative power of love.  This transformation only happens one person at a time.  From one believer to the next.  Who are you sharing your faith with?  Who might look for you among their cloud of witnesses?