4 June 2021
Hello.
During this past week, my thoughts have been directed toward a passage of scripture from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans (12:9-18). At first I was puzzled as to why but as I looked carefully at the passage I believe I was helped to understand some of the reasons by God’s Holy Spirit and so I share some of my thoughts with you. In the middle of this passage is the instruction to ‘rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.’ (v. 15) This instruction is set in the midst of some encouragement from St. Paul as to how we ought to live together. He begins the section with the words, “Let love be genuine; hatewhat is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour.” (v. 9,10). In the midst of the news from British Columbia about those 215 bodies discovered at the Residential School we weep with those who are weeping and our relationships with each other are challenged because of past misdeeds. As we live with each other among the imperfections of life we are urged to: ‘let love be genuine…..’ . St. Pau lcontinues in his provocative statements by urging Christians to ‘Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another’ (vv14-16a). In our lives together as a nation, as a diocese, as a congregation or, as a family we are urged to allow the love of God to rule our hearts and minds in the way we interact with one another. I am deeply saddened and weep with those who are most directly affected by the news which has captured the attention of our nation and I pray for healing to continue and for love to be the motivating factor behind all of the conversations. As we bring our hearts to God perhaps you too will be led to contemplate a particular passage of scripture as we ask God for wisdom and guidance in our relationships with one another. May we see each other with the love that God has for each of us as we walk this difficult road together.
Glen +
A prayer
God of peace, forgive us as we forgive each other for all the hurt we have brought into our lives. Let your healing love rest upon the wounds we have caused by our anger or ignorance. Deepen our love in a new understanding for each other and for you. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ who carried on his cross our discord and our grief. Amen. (BAS p. 697 adapted)