By Roció Paz of Lima, Peru
Collectively and individually, you are loved with an everlasting love that delights in each faithful step taken. God yearns to draw you close so that wounds may be healed, emptiness filled, and hope strengthened.
(shared as part of the International Leaders Meeting, June 2025)
One example of God’s love is when we share with others by serving the community.
I remember on Palm Sunday, a sunny day, the congregation’s volunteers prepared breakfasts in individual bottles and loaves of bread. We managed to make 90 breakfast drinks and 90 loaves of bread to distribute to people in need, such as street recyclers, street vendors, children who work cleaning cars or selling their wares at traffic lights, and elderly people who were sheltering in a tent because their homes had burned down. Some volunteers fasted, donated their food for the preparation, and others of us went in groups of two adults and one child to distribute breakfasts.
Before leaving, we gathered at the Philadelphia Community of Christ congregation for a prayer and a Bible reflection so we would be guided by the Spirit of the Lord. The Bible verse shared was Matthew 25:40: “And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” This verse emphasizes the importance of generosity, even toward people we don’t know, and loving our neighbors, especially those most in need.
We felt we shared God’s love with each person who thanked us deeply and showed us a sincere smile, as if we were seeing the face of Jesus. These unforgettable moments and experiences, shared by every volunteer from adult to child, were unique in our ministries, and we thank God for this opportunity to reach others by sharing breakfast with a Holy Week Bible verse. Every gesture of love and dedication reminded us that following Jesus means walking with faith, humility, and open hands to serve through compassionate ministries.
Prayer Phrase
“For in him all things…were created…” (Colossians 1:16).
The International Community
Find (or imagine) a globe or map of the world. Look at all the nations and find a country other than your own. Notice the geographic distance between your homeland and this one. Picture a person living there. Pray for this person. Sense God’s love connecting you just as the oceans connect the continents. Thank God for the spiritual connection you have with all of God’s people around the globe. Ask a blessing on the church as a community sharing Christ’s peace, drawing all into the family of God.
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.