Christian Reflection and Prayer

"No prophet is ever accepted in his own country"
(Luke 4:24).

You've heard the expression "what's in a name?"
Well you may be interested to know that in ancient
times, certain Hindu names were used as an
expression of gratitude for blessings received, or
wishes fulfilled -- or to show an association with an
event, a time, a place or a person. For example,
the name Dukhi means miserable or sorrowful -- a
name bestowed to ward off the envy of the gods.
The name Sukhi, means at ease, tranquil or content
-- and was used to show prosperity.

In a modern day parable, brothers Sukhi (the
optimist) and Dukhi (the pessimist) set off down the
road just as a flock of birds swoop in. And just like
that, Sukhi is wiping his head with his handkerchief.
Seeing this, Dukhi asks, "why are you smiling with
that mess on your head? You should be irritated!"
Sukhi answers, "I smile because I thank God. I thank
God for not making buffaloes fly!"

We may not call that particular situation a blessing,
but surely we can do better recognizing God's infinite
blessings, if only we have eyes to see them!  

(Sunday Sermons Online)

Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, ‘Look, half
of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I
have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four
times as much.’
Luke 19:8

Voice

It is impossible to identify and prosecute all the previous
acts of brutality over the course of America's history of
white racism, but we need clear admission of those sins
and an asking for forgiveness on the part of white
Americans, followed by deeds and behaviors that signify
real change.
Jim Wallis, in his new book, America's Original Sin.

Prayer

Lord, like Zaccheus, we desperately want to see your
face. And so, give us the courage to do justice, to
correct the wrongs we have committed, and to care for
the poor among us.

So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring
its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today!"
Matthew 6:25-34 NLT

Jesus encourages us not to worry about that which
we cannot control or about that which is not important.
Worry instead, he says, about your priorities and the
condition of your soul. When you find yourself overcome
with worry, take a careful look at the priorities of your
heart. When God is firmly established at the center of
our focus and desires, worry loses its grip on our lives.

From the TouchPoint Bible with commentaries by Ron
Beers and Gilbert Beers (Tyndale), p. 829