Monday, March 10, 2025

Dear God,

Who are we as a people?  Are we meant to rule like kings and queens separating out undesirables, the lowly, the afflicted, the "other", anyone who does not rise to the level where we consider ourselves?  Who are we?

Have we forgotten that you spent far more time with the marginalized, the poor, the broken, the forgotten, and the unclean?  As your son walked this earth, he always carried compassion, grace and love with him.  He did not demand allegiance; he asked for discipleship.  He did not tell us to avoid the hurting; he asked us to be good Samaritans.  He did not throw people away; he brought them close.  He urged leaders to care for the poor, to love the neighbor and to remove the plank in their own eyes.  

In our nation and world, particularly during Lent, you are the one asking the question?  Who are you?  After looking us over, will you say, "Come, my beloved."  Or will you remark, "I don't know you."

Holy and Loving God,

only you 

can shape

and reshape us.

Only you

can renew

and restore us.

Only you

can make us new.

For your sake

and the world,

refashion us

in your image,

we pray.

Love, Andrea