Blurred lines

God is the offering. God is the offered, poured out by God. God is attained by all those who see God in action. –Bhagavad Gita


This week has been “history in the making” in the United States. Pope Francis arrived, not so much in his own glory, but seeking to shine the light of God into a nation sometimes mired in its own darkness (like every nation). It’s been an interesting week, as lines have been drawn at times—but also blurred.

As the pope arrived on the eve of Yom Kippur, Jews gathered at the Lincoln Memorial for a service of repentance and forgiveness. In another city, Christians and Muslims, in a rare moment of interfaith courage, came together and prayed for one another. A saint was canonized. His Holiness addressed Congress.

For a few days, all eyes seemed turned in one direction, pointing towards reconciliation.

But then the grumbling began. He’s the pope, not a politician! He needs to stick to God-talk. Where does he get off talking about climate change . . . immigration . . . economics. . . ?

Funny, I seem to remember stories from long ago of a man who spoke out against the politics and policies of his day. A man who chose an evening meal with tax collectors over fine dining with the Pharisees. And people grumbled then, too. This pope is not perfect. (No human is.) But in a time of divisiveness and rancor, I find it refreshing that Francis is smudging lines instead of drawing them deeper. Like the One he follows, this pope sees the world through eyes that unify under God’s Holy Spirit. Thanks be to God.


Monday As the seasons change, spend some time outdoors simply appreciating the beauty and resiliency of God’s creation. Give thanks. Psalm 27:4

Tuesday Think for a moment: How many of your neighbors do you know? How many do you know well? Pray for opportunity for conversations. Matthew 19:20-22

Wednesday During your quiet time today, pray for a teachable spirit. Remind yourself that God alone is God. Exodus 34:6

Thursday Wander through your “friends list” and think of someone with whom you are friends—and it makes no sense because they are nothing like you. Remember how you met? Are you still in touch? Reach out—and give thanks. Psalm 139:14-16

Friday Not everyone looks forward to Friday. Do you know a child (or grownup) who has a different home on the weekend? Offer them a loving smile as they go (and watch for their return). Pray for their time away. Proverbs 31:30

Saturday As you pray for yourself, reflect again on the many blessings God has given. Rest in God’s loving embrace. Ezekiel 34:25-31

Sunday World Communion Sunday This morning during worship, take note of someone who is missing. Send a card, make a phone call or offer to visit them. Include them in your prayers. Exodus 23:6-7


Christians who say Pope Francis should stick to “spiritual issues” and stay out of politics have invented a fake Jesus—unreal, ahistorical and irrelevant. –Nathan Hamm

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