By Rick Maupin of Lee’s Summit, Missouri USA

So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.

It was a typical, hot Sunday morning in the Democratic Republic of Congo with about 200 in the congregation. I was bringing the morning Communion message, and Apostle Bunda Chibwe was translating into French. Brother Chibwe and I had moved into a good speaker-translator pace, and I was feeling a bit confident in my sermon.

Then I noticed a man standing in the back corner. I paid little attention to him until he began walking down the aisle toward the front. I continued working “my agenda,” but the man was becoming a distraction to me. He was beginning to annoy me because he was now distracting the congregation. Only a few feet from the front, he fell to the floor.

I am not proud to admit it, but as we knelt and prayed for the man, I was more focused on how I would regain the attention of this congregation than I was on the prayer. Later that day I discovered this man had been wrongly accused of a crime and, as a result, had endured much pain. This was his first participation in church since the accusation.

He said that after hearing the scripture about the woman touching Jesus’ garment and my words about releasing pain and fear, the Spirit had moved him. What I had interpreted as an interruption was the beginning of this man’s journey to liberation and wholeness.

Suffering love, the cross, resurrection, and Christ’s community of oneness and peace. Let us be prepared for what we will see: a path paved with some of the same stones of disturbance and disruption that paved the way for Jesus.

But we also will see the Living Christ going ahead of us. Jesus reminded the disciples that he had gone ahead of them into Galilee. As we faithfully follow the Living Christ into new Galilees, we must claim the promise that this journey will lead to liberation, the peaceable kingdom, Zion.

Prayer Phrase

“We love because God first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Spiritual Practice

Sea of Light

Quiet and center yourself. Ask for God’s healing and guidance as you enter this time of prayerful presence. Close your eyes, breathing deeply and calmly. Imagine you are floating in a beautiful sea of light that rises and falls with each cycle of your breath. The golden light of this sea buoys you up, so you float effortlessly. Waves of light carry and wash over you, bringing wholeness and peace. Rest in the sea of God’s love; then offer a prayer of gratitude.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.