The Talmud tells a story that took place in the century before Jesus’ birth.  A gentile claimed he would convert to Judaism if a rabbi could instruct him in the law while he stood on one foot.  The Rabbi Hillel was up to the challenge.  This was his summary of the law:  “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation of this—go and study it!”  Hillel’s words find an echo in Jesus’ “golden rule.” 

When Jesus was asked for his summary of the law, he responded with the two great commandments:  love of God and love of neighbor.

The challenge which faced Hillel and the challenge which faced Jesus also faces us.  People who are outside the faith want to know what is at the heart of our belief.  They want to know why we are religious, what gives us hope and meaning, and why does faith in God have to be a part of having a good life.  Like the Gentile who confronted Hillel, they are not going to waste a lot of time hanging around to hear our theology or our interpretation of Scripture.  They are listening ‘while standing on one foot.’

What’s your ‘elevator pitch’ for the Gospel?  What is the summary of the Good News that expresses what you most deeply believe?  If you’re waiting on one leg for my answer, here it is:

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

God’s love is encompassing, universal and inescapable.  This I believe.

Prayer:  Holy One, let my words and my actions speak clearly of your love today.  Amen.