Acts 2:42-47
Absurd, persecuted, kind, giving these all describe how the first followers of The Way were seen. They were strange because they did things no one else did. They even would stick around and nurse the sick if there was an outbreak of disease. I don't know if we can picture them, this is how it is supposed to be with us, but a poll of people who look at us from the outside says we are judgmental, hypocritical, and haters of LGBT+. I don't see many of the words used in the beginning reused here.
I've watched the posts this week on Facebook. People bragging, saying everything was fine, there was no need to shut down, yet this past week recorded the highest cases of the virus, just when we are to reopen. Absurd, kind, not afraid of death how can we encompass these words instead of looking out only for ourselves? Does it come from looking deeper within?
Today is what we call Good Shepherd Sunday, Jesus, the Good Shepherd laid down his life for the sheep. So did every disciple there after, at least the good ones. Peter dies on a cross, James was beheaded by Herod, Andrew, crucified, Matthew was martyred in Ethiopia. Before this though we have stories of their kindness. Healing the sick, tending to the poor, this is why holding everything in common was so important. They could support the whole of the community.
Christians were known for supporting the weakest, for watching out for others. What would that look like right now? Wearing a mask because you are concerned for your neighbor, washing your hands for the same, giving of your stimulus because you don't need it and someone else has lost their job, their lively hood, doing all the things which show sacrifice because of the one who gave it all for everyone. No judgement, no looking out for number one, but true, honest to good Christian living.
There have been so many stories about churches, during this virus, who have kept their doors open because of what they themselves wanted. Because of this the whole church has gotten sick and many have died. This is not sacrifice, this is selfishness. We cannot be selfish it is not the way Jesus taught or showed us. When we come back there are things we have all wanted, things we yearn for, but we are going to have to sacrifice yet again because we love others. Because we desire what is best for everyone, not because we want what we want and we want it now.
Begin to think about a reimagined church. What are the things we need to do so we are a safe and loving community? What would make others feel welcome into this safe, untouchable place? What do we need to grieve and let go of to help this happen? I know this is not easy, it is another example of what I call the ways God helps me surreneder myself. I look forward to thesr discussions with you as a community. I hope we can do this boldly thinking of our neighbor and not ourselves.
"The kingdom of God is justice and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Come Lord, and open in us the gates of YOUR kingdom." Taizè
Absurd, persecuted, kind, giving these all describe how the first followers of The Way were seen. They were strange because they did things no one else did. They even would stick around and nurse the sick if there was an outbreak of disease. I don't know if we can picture them, this is how it is supposed to be with us, but a poll of people who look at us from the outside says we are judgmental, hypocritical, and haters of LGBT+. I don't see many of the words used in the beginning reused here.
I've watched the posts this week on Facebook. People bragging, saying everything was fine, there was no need to shut down, yet this past week recorded the highest cases of the virus, just when we are to reopen. Absurd, kind, not afraid of death how can we encompass these words instead of looking out only for ourselves? Does it come from looking deeper within?
Today is what we call Good Shepherd Sunday, Jesus, the Good Shepherd laid down his life for the sheep. So did every disciple there after, at least the good ones. Peter dies on a cross, James was beheaded by Herod, Andrew, crucified, Matthew was martyred in Ethiopia. Before this though we have stories of their kindness. Healing the sick, tending to the poor, this is why holding everything in common was so important. They could support the whole of the community.
Christians were known for supporting the weakest, for watching out for others. What would that look like right now? Wearing a mask because you are concerned for your neighbor, washing your hands for the same, giving of your stimulus because you don't need it and someone else has lost their job, their lively hood, doing all the things which show sacrifice because of the one who gave it all for everyone. No judgement, no looking out for number one, but true, honest to good Christian living.
There have been so many stories about churches, during this virus, who have kept their doors open because of what they themselves wanted. Because of this the whole church has gotten sick and many have died. This is not sacrifice, this is selfishness. We cannot be selfish it is not the way Jesus taught or showed us. When we come back there are things we have all wanted, things we yearn for, but we are going to have to sacrifice yet again because we love others. Because we desire what is best for everyone, not because we want what we want and we want it now.
Begin to think about a reimagined church. What are the things we need to do so we are a safe and loving community? What would make others feel welcome into this safe, untouchable place? What do we need to grieve and let go of to help this happen? I know this is not easy, it is another example of what I call the ways God helps me surreneder myself. I look forward to thesr discussions with you as a community. I hope we can do this boldly thinking of our neighbor and not ourselves.
"The kingdom of God is justice and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Come Lord, and open in us the gates of YOUR kingdom." Taizè
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