03/26/2025
What's Up Wednesday 03/26/25-04/01/25 -
Hi friends,
Last Sunday we heard a vision from Isaiah about the poor and weary being invited to a great feast. "You who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price!" (Isaiah 55:1) The poor who can't afford food, much less a feast, don't get the leftovers or the bare minimum,, but they get a feast full of rich foods and wines, 'without money and without price'
In the sermon. I suggested that perhaps this isn't only a vision for heaven or the last day, but it suggests a way of life that could be possible for society today. I suggested that perhaps cynicism is something that we need to fast from this Lent- The idea that things can't change for the better.
I ran across this quote this morning by Sharon McMahon stating, "Those who oppose progress want to keep you cynical, because if you believe nothing good can happen or no positive changes will occur, then it helps them maintain the status quo." Not only does cynicism keep us from growing in God's love, but it keeps us immobilized and thus keeps the status quo of injustice in place.
Cynicism and fear are the dry branches that need to be pruned so that we can bear the fruit of love and peace and hope in the world today. We can dream and build the new world that God wants for us together with others- but only if we repent from cynicism and fear, and act with courage in Jesus' love and truth and merciful justice for the world.
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It's a rainy day, so might as well join us for Soup Supper at 6:15 tonight! I hope you can make it for good food, connection and fellowship, and Lenten spiritual practices of prayer and dwelling in the Word.
Peace,
+Rick Fry
https://mailchi.mp/dce38a6ed356/whats-up-wednesday-032625-040125
