Morning Meditation

 

He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 

 

What a powerful, heartbreaking sentence!  Christ comes to the world, and we mistake, misunderstand, and maim God’s hope, peace, love, and joy in the world.  Not just two thousand years ago, but again and again and again.  We reject Christ when we use our words to hurt and harm each other.  We reject Christ when we bully and blame others.  We reject Christ when we let racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, economic elitism, classism, agism, and all the other ways that we are jockeying for position in this world lead us rather than Christ.  When I put someone down on social media, I am rejecting Christ.  When I gossip behind someone’s back to make myself feel better, I am rejecting Christ.  When I talk about “them” and “those” people, I reject Christ.  We are playing a dangerous game in our world ~ one of violence (weapons and words and some imaginary scoreboard politically), but there are people in Cuba, Gaza, Israel, Sudan, Darfur, Jamaica, Ukraine, Russia, China, Sarasota, and across our communities who are Christ here and now.  I know that living God’s hope, peace, joy, and love is difficult and demanding.  I get that trying to love our enemies when they wield weapons that hurt too many people can feel foolish and deadly.  I get that being a Christian is not an easy way to feel safe, secure, or seen.  Rejection is part of our human life.  Humans are beautifully broken, both in Jesus’ time and ours.  Who do you struggle to accept today?  Please remember that acceptance doesn’t mean affirmation or affection.  Acceptance means that I recognize the humanity and the God-image of another.  Doesn’t mean I understand the other.  Doesn’t mean I can change the other.  To accept is to pray for peace, health, and love to be with that person.  So, today, think of someone you struggle to love.  And pray, “God, may _______ (fill in the person’s name) know peace, health, and love.”  You may say that with a clenched jaw and tight shoulders.  You may say it but realize you don’t mean it.  Your words matter.  What you speak into the universe creates a ripple and riff.  May you and I be God’s prayer this day through our words, and may the word you are carrying to the manger this year be a blessing to you and those you encounter today.  Amen.