Christian Reflection and Prayer

War is always ugly. The loss of innocent lives is never
easy to swallow. And yet, as tanks open fire on the
humble homes of the Gazan poor and rockets rain
down on a terrified Israeli populace we are compelled
to ask, “How do we keep coming back to this profane
and violent place called war?” Why do we consistently
and continually fail to understand the simple principles
of our own faith and the faiths of those who profess a
belief in God?

These simple faith principles speak of a command to
love one another and to have a deep and abiding respect
for all life – especially innocent life. Then, why do we fail
to love justice, peace, and mercy as God commands and
seem so determined to visit such violence and destruction
on our world and on one another?

I think it is absolutely time to practice what we preach.
We call ourselves "People of Faith".  If this is true then
whether Muslim, Jew, or Christian, we must love justice,
peace, and mercy as God commands and stop this
violence and destruction of war.

PEOPLE OF FAITH UNITE AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER!

Prayer:

Oh Lord my God, may I love justice, peace and mercy,
as you commanded, may I take an active role everyday
in stopping the violence and destruction of war. In the
name of my God, Jesus Christ.  Amen

Scripture:

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.
Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments,
you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my
Father's commandments and abide in his love.
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy
may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This
is my commandment, that you love one another
as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than
this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:9-12

Reflection:

Our joy is found in bringing the light of Christ into the
darkness – into the chaos and the whirlwind of suffering.

In the liberating gospel of John, Jesus goes to
considerable lengths to reveal how God is alive in him
and God is alive in us. In that discourse, Jesus invites
us into community with God and offers us a path and a
plan to bring that community to everyone we encounter
and ultimately to all humanity. The guiding principle of
that plan — and the source of our joy — is the command
to love one another as Christ has loved us and to be willing
to give your all for that purpose. The joy then is found in
the commitment to that principle.

When I understand best that the simple principle of love
including love of justice — allows the healing of my own
despair and anguish and replaces them with joy. It is then
that I am overwhelmed by a profound understanding of the
true nature of joy itself: to be standing in the midst of
struggle, surrounded by those yet yearning to see God for
real.

Prayer:

Oh Mighty God may I know the real joy of loving one
another as you first love me.  In your Holy Name Jesus
Christ my Lord and Savior.  Amen!

 “What are we looking at in life?”

We can only be thankful for the things that we notice.
If we are always focused on what’s wrong with our lives,
we’ll miss out on everything that is right. On the other
hand, the more that we look at, focus on, and appreciate
the good in our lives, the more we will enjoy it and be
grateful for our lives.

Today, take the time to really notice and appreciate what
is good in your life. Try making a list, or better yet, keep
a journal of your blessings. Then, thank God for all He
has given to you!