Lk 14:1-6

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine
at the home of one of the leading Pharisees,
and the people there were observing him carefully.
In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy.
Jesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking,
“Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?”
But they kept silent; so he took the man and,
after he had healed him, dismissed him.
Then he said to them  
“Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern,
would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?”
But they were unable to answer his question.

Jesus has compassionate stubborness in this text. He refuses to bend when there are people in need, and he stands his ground knowing full well the implications of the anger of people.  I seek to have the same compassionate stubborness.  I have been told how much better off I would be if I would "compromise", "stay quiet", but in so doing I become one with those who keep the silence, the status quo and let so many others suffer.  I have been dealing with an organization that is homopobic. It is a religious organzation and I have been compassionately stubborn in my presentation, and I have learned through the years that is the only way you can deal with homophobia, the status quo. I remember at my anniversary people commenting how different I am, and the church where I served as interim one of its member rememberd my sermons eight years later as being "different, and very challenging, and not bending in my ethical  challenges".  I am criticized for being so "Christian", after all Christians have hurt so many people who are queer--well--people who have used the name of Jesus has hurt people, Jesus has stood and stands with queers in their fight. It is to him my allegiance is given  And so I am compassionately stubborn and hope as I continue to grow I become more so.  My prayer is that I will stop worrying about security completely and place my complete trust in the "Compassionate Stubborn One. "

We had a great meal last night, Ken, Mike and I. People were happy, and loved the food. I did outreach and what I noticed is how needy people are and how people with so much passed them by without even noticing.  And it was an excellent day. Deo Gratis! Thanks be to God!