I just found out that Cheryl's brother in law didn't come to her parents 50th wedding anniversary because Cheryl and I would be there as a couple. In a relationship .... a monagamous...long term...loving amazing relationship. How very sad for him. You see he is a priest. An Episcopal Priest....Father SO and SO....Holy Man of God and teacher of the ways of Jesus. REALLY? Let's have a look.....
Jesus went with the Sumaritian woman at the well to her home town and into her very home. She was the sworn enemy of his people....not only that but she was a woman of more than questionable marital history. The woman of MANY sins washed his feet with her tears and he allowed it even though she wasn't his wife. Jesus chose Matthew the tax collector as one of his closest followers. Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan. Jesus was humble enough to wash the feet of those who would serve him. Jesus told the woman caught in adultery, the one who who was being stoned, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and your sins are forgiven." Although I don't believe that I am sinful or evil because of my orientation, many others do. But should it really matter if you are a Christ like person and not only that a man of "God"? (This is certainly not MY God who is a God of unconditional love and unending grace.)
Think about this: This is what Jesus had to say to the church leaders...You are a brood of vipers! Hypocrites and white washed tombs filled with dead men's bones. You are dishes that are filthy on the inside and yet are only cleaned the outside. Which one are you, Brian? It's funny Jesus didn't say "Condemn and reject one another as I have condemned and rejected you. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have hate and disdain for one another." No. Jesus said, 'LOVE and ADORE one another in just the same manner that I have loved and adored you. Through this action the entire world will see that you are TRUE followers of Me and you have understood my message." LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF! My GOD!
Where did that message get lost? Must have gotten tangled up in all of those robes they make him wear.
