By John Bonney of Springfield, Oregon USA
Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God’s shalom, invites all people to come and receive divine peace in the midst of the difficult questions and struggles of life. Follow Christ in the way that leads to God’s peace and discover the blessings of all of the dimensions of salvation.
Do you know how alone we are in this universe? I mean alone because we do not know anything beyond ourselves, this small planet, a few other planets, and a few other stars. We are all we have, and the earth which is our home is all we have. Can we save it? Can we save ourselves? Shall we look at the All that makes us one—one with each other, one with this earth, one with eternity, and into eternity?
Around 1963 I was standing on the edge of the reef on the island of Guam which barricaded a lagoon area. It was about half of a mile from the beach to the reef edge. The might of the Pacific Ocean waves hitting the seemingly impermeable hardness of the reef was deafening as well as astounding. The display of power was obvious. Water can be overwhelming, and it can be very gentle. But on the reef that day in such a situation one couldn’t help but recognize our own fragility and find one’s thoughts propelled outward into creation.
Yet here we stand upon this earth and here we remain, at least for now.
It is wise for us to see to the needs of the world community, the world’s human beings, flora, and fauna. But we are slow to recognize our interconnections with everything else on this beautiful planet that gave us rise through the unimaginable activity of the Creative Source.
Let us turn our minds, our eyes, and our hands outward into the needing communities. Let us mend our home relationships and our extra-home relationships. Let us deal in love and patience and acceptance. Let us live compassionately and empathetically with others. Let us feed the poor in spirit and poor in mind. Let us visit the sick and the homeless and those incarcerated. Let us find our Christ and hear the words “just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40 NRSVUE).
May this day find you as aware as possible of the blessings and needs that flow around you.
Reflection Question
In a world where we are so small and fragile within the vastness of creation, how does recognizing our deep interconnection with all life inspire you to live more generously?
Prayer Phrase
“You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity” (2 Corinthians 9:11).
The Open Hands Prayer
Sit with your hands resting on your lap, palms up. Close your eyes. Silently reflect: What have I been tightly holding on to? What is mine to give today? As you inhale, imagine receiving God’s abundant grace. As you exhale, open your hands more fully and say: “Freely I have received, freely I give.” End by asking God to show you one person, act, or place where you can respond with generosity today.
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.