Blessed are the Peacemakers
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Colossians 3:9-11 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. RESOURCE See article (Christian Practices for the Journey toward Shalom) attached here. LET US PRAY: Wake me up, Lord, so that the evil of racism finds no home within me. Keep watch over my heart Lord,
and remove from me any barriers to your grace, that may oppress and offend my brothers and sisters. Fill my spirit, Lord, so that I may give services of justice and peace. Clear my mind, Lord, and use it for your glory. And finally, remind us, Lord, that you said, "blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." Amen. (Source: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) After reading today’s scriptures, prayer, and resource, reflect…
Why is it so hard to talk about race in the Church?
The author says “we often think of church as a place for peace, reflection, and comfort, a place where conflict should be avoided.” How can congregations be places of safety for discussing different points of view without hurting our unity in Christ?
How do you think the practices of stability, hospitality, and foot-washing help racial reconciliation and unity in the Church?
What can you specifically do to foster racial reconciliation?
Be sure to journal your thoughts. We will have a collective discussion at the end of this 2-week series. If you come across an article or a video link or a prayer that is relevant to this discussion about loving our neighbors, feel free to submit it to me. Thank you!