The message of the Bible is often simple and clear. The challenge comes in interpreting how to concretely live out its simple message in our complex society: Love God, love your neighbor as yourself. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself; Be merciful, just as your God is merciful Forgive others when they hurt you. Wash one another’s feet. Serve others. Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you.
From Ecclesiastes 3: ‘There is a time to be born and a time to die.’ I heard a story about a little boy that came running downstairs, scared to death. His mother said, "What's wrong?" The little boy said, "Mommy, didn't the priest say that the body comes from dust?" She said, "Yes." He said, "Didn't she also say that one day the body will go back to dust?" She said, "Yes." He said, "Mommy, you better come upstairs quick and look under my bed, somebody's either going or coming."&nb
It’s been an turbulent and emotional week, with a feeling of pending chaos at the rapid pace of change that one simply can’t keep track of. It’s a time we look to our faith for guidance and strength, and our spiritual practices to nurture our spirits. The readings today speak powerfully to a nation that is deeply divided, between fear and hope, between those who are pleased with the changes, and those who are terrified.
