We Christians have been far from perfect. Christians have justified slavery and segregation with Scripture. Christians have used the non-violent Jesus as a pretext for war. As an individual representative of Jesus Christ, I can say that I have been far from perfect, yet there is hope (Jeremiah 18:4). Yet, through the Holy Spirit, God […]
When we think of the Old Testament we may have the image of God on Mt. Sinai as was mentioned last week. The Israelites could not even approach the mountain and Moses trembled with fear. However, one aspect of the Old Testament that we may overlook is the Old Testament’s thorough emphasis upon fairness and […]
Let us pray to God who forgives all who call upon him: Lord God of power and might, fill our minds with insight into love so that every thought grow in wisdom and all our efforts be filled with your peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Sunday Missal, alt.)
Let us pray that we live as we believe: God our Father, you have given us Jesus, your Son, as the door through which we enter into your kingdom. May we learn to listen to his voice and to follow him without reserve. May our authentic Christian living bring goodness and joy to this world […]
God offers us forgiveness and an invitation to fellowship with God, and perhaps this is a concept of God that we Christians forget when we want to see someone punished by God. Yet, Jesus Christ gives us a better offer: Forgiveness, renewal, restoration, and fellowship with God (Hebrews 12:18-24). May we, in turn, offer others […]
Let us pray with humility and persistence: Almighty God, ever-loving Father, your care extends beyond the boundaries of race and nation to the hearts of all who live. May the walls which prejudice raises between us crumble beneath the shadow of your outstretched arms. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Sunday Missal)
Jesus tells us that he came to bring division (Luke 12:49-53). First, this does not mean that we go out of our way to create a division and a ruckus in the name of Christ. Second, it is not a badge of Christianity to say mean ugly things in order to rile others up. Yet, […]
Let us pray for trust in the promises of God: Lord God, help us to serve you faithfully in the present and to be ready to follow you in the future. Take us by the hand and guide us through all obstacles to the land of your promise. Amen. (Claretian Publications)
Isaiah received a God-given vision about what their society could have been if they indeed had been willing and obedient (Isaiah 1:1, 11-17). Their rebellion against God’s command to care for the most vulnerable in society brought disastrous consequences. God does not overlook any society’s injustice toward its most vulnerable citizens, including our own! Jesus […]
Let us pray that we use this earth’s goods wisely in the service of God and people: Father, you care, and so in you we trust. May greed not blind to pile up goods and neglect things that do not really matter. May we generously share what we have with the hungry and the poor, […]
