Doesn’t it seem to you that our national discourse sounds like an elementary schoolyard? We all do it. Appalled by the insults and accusations coming from the other side, we conveniently forget the outlandish behavior of our allies. This race to the bottom, backed up by countless righteous Facebook posts, demonstrates why revenge serves no one. In advice conveniently forgotten by Christians liberal and conservative, Jesus forbids his followers from pursuing “an eye for an eye,” however fair that might appear. His command to “turn the other cheek” isn’t a way to passively avoid conflict–here we have a new tactic in conflict, meant to move us past the who-started-it debates. In God’s name, try something new!
This summer Trinity tries something new in the form of our “Samaritan Tree.” The tree invites us to try out the Jesus alternative. On this tree you will find suggestions for good deeds one might do, everything from collecting food for the poor to being nice to strangers. Suggestions aren’t life-changing projects, but that doesn’t make them insignificant. Here we do what doesn’t come naturally. Instead of reinforcing our go-to divisions and stereotypes, whether those are imagining the poor as lazy or the political right as heartless, the Samaritan Tree challenges us to make connections.
Jesus’ strategy for changing the world: be different!
Long ago Jesus imagined that God’s Kingdom would be seen when his followers did things differently–turning the other cheek, loving enemies, serving the poor and welcoming strangers. Too often Jesus’ followers forget this Kingdom difference, settling for doing what everyone else does (although with very good intentions, of course). 
Whether we’re listening or not, the Gospel always calls us to change and create a new community. This summer, let our tree point the way.
As we get ready, a question: what is most challenging to you about the conflict between Jesus’ way and what we would otherwise do?