By Michael Botts of Hannover, Germany

Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit and you shall have peace in me.

The composer Gustav Mahler said, “Tradition is not preserving the ashes, but passing on the flame.” This quote is true for disciples of Jesus Christ. We should be in the forefront of passing on the flame of God’s love. We should continually be trying to bring the good news and help people do and be their best.

I see the church being less a preserver and more a transformer. This was Jesus’ role with those he touched. I love the story of Jesus’ encounter with the woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8:1–11). Her fate was clear.

Caught in the act, there was no question of what to expect. The Mosaic Law would have had her stoned. The scribes and Pharisees brought her to Jesus. If Jesus had been a preserver, the woman probably would have lost her life. But Jesus was a transformer, a bringer of good news. His message to the woman was about God’s grace for her. He said, “I do not condemn you. Go and sin no more.” Jesus transformed the woman by offering her the good news of God’s love and acceptance.

That is what our name, Community of Christ, is about. We bring the good news of Christ to others. We spread the story of God’s love for creation. When we open ourselves to God’s transforming grace, we are being transformers and passing on the flame.

There are many people who have passed the flame from their lives to mine, and who have helped transform me. I hope and pray I will be able to bring the good news to the lives of others, too.

Prayer Phrase

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

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 that 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.