How's that again???

Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if we can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them. –The Dalai Lama

How’s that again??

Every Sunday, we flock to our churches to hear about ways to make a difference. Various churches offer food collections, prison ministry opportunities and chances to work on Habitat houses—all manner of ways to live into Jesus’ commandment to love one another. But then we go home, turn on the TV or internet, and for the other six days we are painfully reminded of how far we have yet to go:
     
--In the past two weeks, seven predominantly Black churches have been targeted by arsonists in Missouri. This is the second recent wave of church burnings.

--A judge in Denver ordered a rescue mission that serves homeless men closed following a complaint lodged by the local neighborhood association.

--Refugees, from Syria and elsewhere, continue to be turned away as they seek a safer place to raise their families.

Do these events sound like love to you?

Two commandments: Love God; love one another (because God loves you). Every path of faith ascribes to these two basic ideals, especially the part about loving one another. Jesus brought grace and healing to those who desired it. Gandhi practiced radical nonviolence, seeking to heal the greater good. The Bible is filled with history and parable of exiles returning home—and finding welcome, not rejection or hatred.

In our United Methodist baptismal vows, we are expected to order our lives after the example of Christ, that our children might learn to live love. How about you? How about today?

Monday Think today about the ways you serve God through your church. (Sunday worship doesn’t count.) Consider adding something more. John 16:33

Tuesday For a brief time today, watch the news on a channel you normally don’t watch. Listen carefully for the news behind the news. Pray for those who bring the news. Psalm 74:10

Wednesday Today, turn off the news altogether. Look around you. If you were reporting on your neighborhood, what would you say? What is your “lead story”? 2 Chronicles 31:10

Thursday Is there a homeless shelter, mission or refugee center nearby? Consider taking a tour, to put actual faces on the news stories. Pray for wisdom. Nehemiah 1:1-4

Friday When was the last time you thought about your ancestors and their journey to this country? Take time today to refresh your memory of your story—and tell it to another. Listen to their story. Matthew 1:1-17

Saturday Remember those who came before, not just family, but people whose bravery or new way of doing things made your life easier or better today. Give thanks. Hosea 1:10

Sunday The freedom to gather to worship God in the United States is often taken for granted. In China and elsewhere, religious persecution really does exist. Pray for those who have chosen The Way. Learn more. Isaiah 25:1

Our future is either nonviolent or there is no future. –Fr. Richard Rohr OSF

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