This Sunday at Peace

Scripture: Luke 9:51-62

a note from Holly

We find ourselves in a heartbreaking moment, with so many of God’s children in harm’s way. We pray for diplomatic solutions, and more: we press our leaders to craft a foreign policy built on understanding and not vengeance.

In Jesus’ day, there was no love lost between the Samaritans and the Jews. Today, we can substitute Iranians and Israelis.

In our lesson from Luke, the disciples have forgotten what Jesus taught them about shaking the dust from their feet and going on to the next town. They have dirt caught between their toes and they are ready to throw some rocks.

Same. I can let some stuff go, and then…well, it’s remarkable what I hang on to.

Jesus invited his followers (and us!) to replace the hatred with love…and something more.

It’s the “something more” that we need right now, whether we are dealing with toxic political leaders or relationships that are stressed and fraught.

I’m thinking of one of many places I felt cared for and seen when I was growing up: a children’s shoe store in downtown Arlington. It’s a reminder of a world gone by, where relationships and connections were at the heart of daily life.

What about you? Who/what/where have you felt included, seen, nourished? Not a bad list for a gratitude run on a hot summer morning.

Thankful, as ever, for you—

Holly