Listen

The Lord God’s spirit is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me.

He has sent me to bring good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim release for captives, and liberation for prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and a day of vindication for our God, to comfort all who mourn, to provide for Zion’s mourners, to give them a crown in place of ashes, oil of joy in place of mourning, a mantle of praise in place of discouragement.

Isaiah 61:1-3a

Think

Jesus read this passage to the people in the synagogue in Nazareth (see Luke 4:16-20). God’s spirit was on Isaiah and Jesus; it is on you and me. We are the Lord’s hands, feet, eyes, and body by performing the ministry of deliverance and encouragement.

Texas A&M University has a long tradition of students greeting everyone on campus with “howdy,” ensuring that no one feels like a stranger. That is a great first step for everyone to take as a new school year begins. Greet people with eye contact, a smile, and “hello.” It opens the door for us to know people and notice where God’s grace is needed.

As we become more aware of others, perhaps we’ll see opportunities to speak up for the voiceless or speak a word of encouragement. Perhaps we’ll sit with different people at lunch or in classes, bring the outsiders into a group, prevent those who are alone from feeling lonely, or bring light to those who languish in the shadows.

The words of Isaiah are for us.

Gail Jackins

Pray

Lord, please open my eyes to see what you want me to notice. Help me be aware of how the Spirit is leading. Guide me to know when to speak and when to be silent. Thank you for including me in your holy circle. Amen.

Go

Let’s put our love into action.

“They’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.”

Peter Scholtes, “They’ll Know We Are Christians,” 1966