Relationships are all that there are. Everything we do and experience in life has to do with someone else. The adage “no man (person) is an island” holds true today and every day. Jesus was always about relationships—with his disciples, with friends, with strangers, and even with his enemies.
A mentor I follow online is Richard Rohr, a Roman Catholic priest at the Center for Action and Contemplation. The following is a comment of his on the times we are going through during this pandemic:
I believe most Christians have good intentions to follow Jesus’ example,
but they are quickly overrun by the “me-first” norms of mainstream culture.
In moments of crisis, however, we seem to tap into something deeper and truer.
We remember our kinship with one another. In the first weeks of the pandemic,
I heard media reports of hoarding and price gouging, but I have heard far more
stories of generosity, courage, compassion, and sacrifice for the sake of others.
We do not all have the same gifts, but many seem to be giving their very best.
Have you seen this to be true? Have you perhaps been a recipient of someone going out of their way to be helpful to you? Our neighbors keep asking what it is they can do for us. They do not need to do this but choose to. It is meaningful and helpful.
I agree with Rohr that crisis often brings out the best in people—not always, but often. I know that I pay more attention to what is going on both inside of me and around me when in crisis. And for as much as I would wish I would
always
respond well; I know that I do not. But that does not keep me from trying.
Today let the words of Jesus that
we are to love one another
be our guide not only as we think of those we know, but especially when we hear or see individuals that we don’t know, who are new to us. In loving relationships God is praised.
Prayer:
Lord, let my love flow like yours, boundless and free. Amen
Pastor Jerry
