Rachael Keefe 
What would it mean for us today if we heard this passage as an invitation to extravagant love among those who are poor – in finances, in resources, and/or in spirit?
God is always with us. Do we take time to realize that we are always with God? Do we recognize the abundance that is all around us?
What happened to God so loves the entirety of the cosmos (John 3:16) and all are equal before God (e.g. Genesis 1:27, Galatians 3:28)?
God is never on the side of the conquerors. Everything Jesus taught indicates that God is on the side of the marginalized, the oppressed, the outcast, the ones being invaded.
Awaken us to your presence in this world, especially in the fearful and chaotic places. War is not yours. Hate does not come from you. Division is not what you desire for us.
What if witnessing or experiencing some sort of Transfiguration is what allows us to do the work of bringing Divine Love into the world?
How do we as followers of Jesus reclaim this command to love our enemies and treat others as we wish to be treated?
These words are too easily put in service to the Empire rather than the work of liberation.
Do not demand agape, a deep, transforming love, if what is on offer is phileos, a binding, affectionate love. An Epiphany 5C sermon starter.
If healing, wholeness, forgiveness, unity, mercy do not result from our actions, then our actions are not the way of agape, the way of Christ.
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