Grant, O God, that, following the example of your servant James the Just, brother of our Lord, your Church may give itself continually to prayer and to the reconciliation of all who are at variance and enmity; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Psalm
1
Acts 15:12-22a + I Corinthians 15:1-11 + Matthew 13:54-58
"All the apostles and elders kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul as they told of all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the Gentiles. After they finished speaking, James replied, “My brothers, listen to me..."
~Acts 15:12-13
We live in a time in which keeping silence and really listening seem to be in short supply. Everywhere there is noise, arguing, interrupting. We do not listen to what another is saying, or give her the benefit of the doubt, but instead internally formulate our rebuttal while our "opponent" is speaking. The breakdown of substantive political discourse in favor of shouting down and speaking over others is a symptom of a troubling lack in our society and in our souls that is not limited to election time.
Today, be intentional in going against the grain of this trend. No one of us can change society overnight. But we can pray for grace to grow within us; we can cultivate silence in our souls that will allow us to better hear God and one another; we can honor the dignity of our brothers and sisters by really listening to them, and honor ourselves by expecting the same respect from others. It is in such listening and speaking that the wonders of God may be made manifest, the reconciliation to which God calls us.
Closing Prayer
O God, thank you for giving us examples, like James, of leaders whose strength is in their wise and compassionate understanding. Help us to make space in our lives for your holy wisdom, that we may make space for others; this we pray in the Name of the one who is our peace, Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment