Reflecting on Our Role in the World

This past week as I have contemplated the current mood of the country with regards to the election, the mood of the world with regards to warring nations, victims of natural disasters across the globe, food insecurity, and my list can go on and on. This week I have been more reflective and “in my head” as I sometimes describe my mood.

Then I received this post on my Facebook page. It was written by Bishop Shelley Bryan Wide from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It was a pastoral letter written to her flock in the northwest corner of Washington State. I thought she had some good points to reflect upon.

• Jesus is all about loving one’s neighbor . . . who is your neighbor?

• Throughout scripture, hospitality to the stranger is embraced . . . who is the stranger?

• God’s will and God’s calling is towards equity and justice for those who have been silenced, oppressed, or harmed . . . who are the silenced, the oppressed, the harmed?

• God created this beautiful earth and declared that we are both part of the creation and are also called to be stewards of it . . . who is caring for creation?

As Holy Cross shifts towards discerning ways to tap into our immediate neighborhood and larger community, we should all be pondering these questions. These questions become part of us as we live out our lives as disciples of Jesus, and members in the Jesus Movement. We are called to be loving, hospitable, demonstrate respect and dignity for all, and care for our environment and God’s creation in all forms, shapes and sizes.

What grade would you score yourself on each of these questions? What would you do differently?

Blessings,

Rev. Anne