09/03/2026
Hello once again everyone!
Our message comes inspired from a passage in the Christian book of Romans, and touches on a number of virtues. It asks us to be different, to live in peace with all, practice compassion, and aim for harmony in our everyday thoughts and actions.
It is the passage where Paul instructs us to “practice hospitality”, to bless those who try to harm us, to feed our enemies, and to not be proud. In essence, practice giving love as Jesus did.
But that can sometimes feel like a tall order can’t it?
Especially in a world full of materialism, where public displays of injustice and revenge are common, and when we are required to work within the limitations of our own human bodies and minds that are oriented towards comfort and ease.
Unfortunately, that’s become the ‘common’ culture – and what a few ultra powerful self serving interests tell us is important. However, if we recall, Jesus, and many who followed, was a symbol of counter-culture.
When the powerful religious and social leaders of his time insisted on what was the norm, Jesus went against it. Jesus taught anyone who wanted to make themselves better – he associated with the powerful members of society, and he also associated with thieves, prostitutes, the unhoused, and tax cheats.
In modern terms, Jesus was a social justice warrior.
Instead of accumulating wealth, Jesus told his followers to give up everything and follow him. Instead of seeking revenge, he instructed his followers to turn the other cheek. Instead of harboring doubt, he asked his followers to have faith.
So this week let’s think about how we can make our world a more inclusive, loving, and positive place and then put those thoughts into action.
Amen! Thank you Holy One.
