One possibility for the preacher today is the epistle lesson which includes Hebrews 10:23-25, "Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

My personal response to the elections and subsequent news is horror and discouragement. Not helpful for someone who gets blue from time to time. So, ponder with me "how to provoke one another to love". I usually associate provoke with negative actions and emotions, like anger. My colleagues had a fun discussion about this word this past Wednesday. "Provoke" includes an edgy aspect. Another possibility is "stir up". It's more than encourage. Eugene Peterson added a dimension, pushing it a little possibly, writing, "how inventive we could be in encouraging love..."  Oh, and the list of those I am challenged to love is endless. And I question, how do I love those who are unloving, and worse? 

The summons presented by this call is not about "them", but "us". And it appears that it's a mutual challenge. I cannot do this by myself, nor can you.

This photo is part of a wonderful, outdoor, sculptured trio of musicians in Loveland, Colorado. Calling us to a different attitude and confession of hope, made real in love and good deeds.