Fourth of July 2023

 We’ll take a brief break from the Psalms today because Tuesday is the Fourth of July.

Even, and perhaps esp., with the differences and divisions around the country today, it’s important to remember the dream that started this country. And it’s important to remember that it was not smooth sailing. We started out dividing from England. Even then, all the representatives and signers were not in total agreement about the need for such a radical step. There was wrangling about the wording and meaning of the Declaration of Independence, and later about the Constitution.

In the creation of any new ministry or endeavor or country, we bring our own ideas and wounds to the table. In other words, we bring our Sacred Story. For something new to be created, it is helpful to hear one another and acknowledge their reasoning and hopes and fears. Our Sacred Story makes us who we are—individuals, prized and beloved by God.

It is easy to insist that ‘my way’ is the best and only way and that I am right 100% of the time. Unfortunately, that’s not true and others may have equally good ideas or even better ways of going about a project. Really pausing to listen to someone’s Sacred Story makes a difference.

When we listen, we start to see our neighbors as God’s co-workers, rather than with the negative spin so many media stories insist on inserting. Each of us wants what is best for our families, our children, and ourselves. Too often, we think it should be done to meet all our demands, without considering the rights and needs of others.

The Gospel for July 4 is Matthew 5:43-48. Jesus stresses the importance of loving everyone. You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

It's not always easy to love in that way. It’s harder to take the time to listen and get to know someone than it is to judge by outward appearance. It’s what we are called to do.

Open our eyes, Loving God, to see your image in each person we meet.

Open our ears, Holy One, to find time to hear the hurt or fear beneath the rhetoric.

Open our hearts, Spirit of God, to develop compassion and love
even for those we disagree strongly with.

Open our spirits, Living One, to be open to new paths of hope and love.