Ordinary Time

Pause

The world doesn’t need a miracle from above to end hate, oppression, injustice, and inequality. It doesn’t need an act of God to end the suffering we see happening.

The world needs us, followers of Jesus, to say “Enough already!” and to work together to be God’s hands and feet.

Listen

I myself will gather the few remaining sheep from all the countries where I have driven them. I will bring them back to their pasture, and they will be fruitful and multiply. I will place over them shepherds who care for them. Then they will no longer be afraid or dread harm, nor will any be missing, declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 23:3-4

Think

The world is suffering; therefore, we have work to do. Why us? Because we are the hands and feet of Christ to all people. To all people! To all people, regardless of race, religion, creed, country of origin, socio-economic background, legal status, gender, or sexual orientation.

We can be the shepherds God speaks about in Jeremiah who will lead others from the darkness of despair into the light of hope. We are the leaders who defend the cause of the poor and relieve the pain of the suffering. We are the barrier-breakers who proclaim grace has no borders, love has no boundaries, and justice has no walls.

Why us? Because God feeds the hungry with our hands, runs to the hurting with our feet, defends the helpless with our bodies, and speaks truth to power with our voices. We are the continuing movement Jesus started. Therefore, let’s get to work.

Ed Stallworth

Pray

Lord, inspire me to do the work that ushers in the Kingdom of God – on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Go

You are the answer to the prayers of the hungry, lonely, bullied, oppressed, and hurting.

What will you do today – not tomorrow or someday – to be the hands and feet of God in your world?