Today's Thought - Carry Each Other

+ Just a reminder that our Sanctuary is open today for anyone who would like to take time for quiet prayer or meditation from 8am to 4pm - come to the door at the corner of Centre and Oley or to the ramp door.?

One of my favorite U2 songs is "One", a song about diversity and unity and difference. One of the central points of the song is that we are one, but we are not the same, so we need to carry each other when we feel like all is lost. We don't have to think the same or live the same, but we who are good people have to watch out for each other. When Jesus was asked who one's neighbor is, He said, in the brilliant story of the Samaritan who did a good deed, that our neighbor is the person you least expect. The stranger - the person of a different ethnicity or religion - the person wearing a different color hat - the one who voted differently than you did. We can't make assumptions or put up walls based on what we think someone will do; we have to live our lives and extend grace and generosity to anyone who needs help. We are one, but we are not the same - we get to carry each other.

None of us knows what the next four years will bring, and to assume we do is the classic joke (make an ass out of u and me). We cannot assume bad or good will; Jesus told His disciples, as He was sending them out into possibly hostile territory, "See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." (Mt. 10:16). Or, as is so often said, "Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst." For me, life will probably be no different - I am one of those middle-class, Christian, straight, white guys who willingly admits that I have all the privilege in the world. If you don't believe that privilege exists, you are probably a recipient of one or more of those advantages. Now is the time for people of good will and privilege to stand with - stand in front of - those who may become targets of hatred and abuse. You notice I wrote "may" - we can't make assumptions either way.

Our house and the church I serve and the God of all creation; these are safe places. Sanctuaries have always been places of safety for people in danger; Calvary UCC in Reading, PA is one of those places of Sanctuary. My home in Wyomissing is one of those places. The God of all creation will not step in and magically rescue people in danger; that task is up to the rest of us. There are many groups who are afraid right now, and if nothing happens to warrant that fear, all is well and good. If things begin to happen that do, however, people of God who focus on love and not hate, need to stand with, and possibly in front, of those who may become targets. We may need to hide them - we may need to protest laws that target them. We need to carry each other. Be wise as a serpent, and gentle as a dove. Or as Mr. Rogers said, "Look for the helpers."

Prayer - Holy God, You made us one but different; may Your grace guide us towards acceptance and peace. Amen.

Today's art is "Respect" by Chantal Guyot.

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