By María Ramírez of Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic

But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.

I live and serve in the Dominican Republic. My journey with Community of Christ began during my teenage years. My mother was the first in our family to become a member of the church. I participated in congregational activities as a teenager eager to experience new things.

When I started university, I drifted away from the church, but after conceiving my first child, my husband and I decided to raise our children within the beliefs of Community of Christ. All three of my children were presented and baptized here, and I began to participate actively in the life of the church once again.

My ministry was growing, yet I felt I wasn’t fully developing my talents and gifts. I began working for the church, experiencing and deepening my relationship with the Lord and my faith community.

But I still felt incomplete; something was missing. It wasn’t until 2017, when my mother was diagnosed with a terminal illness and her life began to fade, that things changed. She was bedridden for about a month; every morning, we would gather for a devotional. I remember a hymn we always sang because she loved it—a song about how, even when no one loves us and we feel alone, God sees us and cares for us as the apple of His eye.

From that time on, I understood that I needed more than just church attendance; I needed to deepen my relationship with God and with others. I decided to make spiritual practices—those moments when God speaks to me—the focus where I centered my emotions and decisions on what matters most: the mission of Christ. My focus became personal and spiritual preparation. I completed my studies in psychology, certain that I could contribute more from that perspective—something I had always wanted to do.

Working with children became my priority: preparing lessons and participating in the planning and organization of camps and mission center activities. I am currently serving on the Formation Ministries Team and assisting at the Hispanic Center for Spiritual Formation, where I feel I can bless others through the gifts and talents God has given me.

Prayer Phrase

“Let us work for the good of all” (Galatians 6:10).

Spiritual Hunger

Jesus discerned hungers of body and spirit, and he fed them through a physical, verbal, spiritual ministry of presence. In a time of listening prayer, ask God to help you discern physical or spiritual hungers of people in your congregation, community, and global family. Invite the Spirit to move you to one hospitable act that “feeds” someone’s hunger 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.