It is hard to believe the violence and hatred seen recently in the media is actually happening in our time, in our country. Pastor Beth encouraged us that in times like this we especially need to remember God’s dream for us to live as a family.
The Word of God challenges us, convicts us and calls us. We are challenged to reach beyond barriers and see those filled with hate and racism as also loved children of God. We are convicted to recognize our own privilege and prejudices, and to see that we are also sinners in our silence and our inaction. We are called to put our Faith into action and use love as a bridge to bring us together.
Diminishing another’s dignity is sinful and affects all of us. It flies against God’s dream that we all live together as neighbors, and that our differences are part of His plan for His family. As difficult as it might be, we are called to recognize even the hate-filled rally-goers as loved children of God. And as the Lord invites us into his family, we can invite others, who may seem very different from us, to the table as well.
Listen to today’s Gospel and Pastor Beth’s sermon at the link below.