By Michele McGrath of Long Beach, California USA

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.

Some days, the news of one daily crisis after another seems to weigh too heavily on my heart. Environmental degradation is causing floods, earthquakes, droughts, and wildfires. Refugee families running from war and violence face dangerous journeys and are refused welcome or safety anywhere. Oppressive governments, rife with corruption, abuse human rights and democratic gains are lost. War, disease, poverty, pollution, extinction…how do we respond?

A quick scan of my Facebook feed shows me the range of human response. Some deal with this barrage out of a mindset of scarcity and fear. Feeling there is not enough to go around, they draw divisions between groups of people and judge sharply, responding in ways that are racist, homophobic, misogynistic, mean, cruel, and hurtful.

This is not God’s way! God speaks to us in the language of abundance and reveals the Worth of All Persons, the Sacredness of Creation, the twin blessings of diversity and community.

I am so grateful when I find prophetic voices on social media that testify that love is the true logic of the universe. They don’t always use those words, of course. They foster conversations about generosity and hope. They highlight the good work that people and communities of faith are doing around the world. They advocate for the vulnerable; they give voice to the voiceless; they are generous with their grace and good humor.

When the news is at its worst, followers of Christ are called to be at our best, pointing to the God of love who is always at work in the world.

Prayer Phrase“

…share abundantly in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

From Scarcity to Abundance

Take a deep breath and release your fear of “not enough.” Name one place of scarcity in your life, then name one way you already see abundance. Offer a simple prayer of gratitude: “God, open my eyes to your abundance.”

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.