| PENTECOST X July 28, 2024 “Living Our Values and Ideals” Have you noticed that every now and then something catches your attention, reminding you of the concerns and limitations that accompanied the pandemic years? At times, it’s felt to me that the problems we dealt with were quite a while ago, but then something reminds me that those experiences weren’t very long ago at all. After going through something as traumatic as a worldwide pandemic, it’s certainly, natural that we turn toward putting that stressful, difficult time behind us, and look forward to living what we perceive as normal lives. The 2024 Paris Olympics have begun, and as we watched the opening ceremonies, I was struck by how wonderful the “normality” of the events felt. Huge crowds lined the Seine River as boats filled with athletes from around the world came in procession. Young people were crowded together, waving flags, laughing, celebrating, taking in the exhilarating experience. It was so positive to see their enthusiasm and delight, especially as compared to the 2021 games that were held in Tokyo with numerous restrictions in place. As another boat carrying participants came into view, we saw a small group dressed in simple white clothing, clustered around the familiar white Olympic flag with its interlocking rings. The announcer introduced them as Team Refugee, and the riverside crowds came to their feet, cheering and welcoming those who came without national flags or identities. To see a large, international organization make sure that a small number of athletes without countries supporting them could still take part was truly inspirational. We hear of the ideals of the Olympic movement, of promoting understanding of other countries and cultures, of working toward peace for all people. These groups are imperfect, (after all, they’re only human!) but they are putting forth an effort, articulating ideals, and creating environments for interactions. It’s easy to become cynical and discouraged when it seems the world is filled with suffering, hardship, conflict and brutality. Why bother to even speak of ideals like cooperation and understanding, much less try to live by them? Well, even the smallest kindness or hand extended to help is worthwhile and is a positive action. For Christians, the values that we are called to live by take these ideals further. Christ himself calls us to welcome the stranger, and to show compassion and care for the hungry, the homeless and the lost. We do this in the name of our Lord, and when we care for those in need, Jesus tells us we are caring for him. As those who claim the name of Christian, we are given the opportunity to follow his example, opening our arms and our hearts, serving “the least of these,” in Jesus’ name. Seeing competitors bearing up one another, Your friend in Christ, Mary Rogers Jesu Jesu https://youtu.be/VA6NPDpTjUc?si=5uWD8ajKwaldgJRA Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ https://youtu.be/Wa4cTMbY_PE?si=3Yag0w43rig1h24- |
Weekly Devotion for July 28, 2024
2024-07-29