Psalm 85: 8-13
I can't help but think of all the outcasts that Jesus spoke to. People we would not consider an outcast today perhaps but outsiders of their own time. Surely we are called to embrace the outsiders of our time.
I am reminded of how my mother felt when she was separated from the man she had married. Eventually she would muster the strength to seek a divorce. This took considerable courage in her time and as a devout Catholic she was banned from all sorts of woman's groups. Ostracized from social groups and the altar society, she was anathema. Although she needed to do it, her spirit was beaten down in so many ways. I know she doubted that God loved her, she was so convinced or indoctrinated that "the church" could not be wrong. In her heart, she held some dignity and I was thrilled that she was able to realize later in her life just how much God loved her. I thought of her when I read this line from Psalms when it says he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.
How many people today feel abandoned, looked down upon for any number of reasons. Their ethnicity, their religion, their sexual orientation. As humans and as religions we have a long history of looking down on people. Internally, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, what holds us together is that God is always on our side, especially when, and because we seek Him in our hearts. God's love is so limitless. His embrace so broad.
God's love for us is so intense that he became human, born of Mary to live as we do, to share in our humanity. No matter who we are or what we are, this is a time to celebrate God's unlimited love for each one of us. Always have hope. Know you are loved. Keep God's love in your heart always.
How many people today feel abandoned, looked down upon for any number of reasons. Their ethnicity, their religion, their sexual orientation. As humans and as religions we have a long history of looking down on people. Internally, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, what holds us together is that God is always on our side, especially when, and because we seek Him in our hearts. God's love is so limitless. His embrace so broad.
God's love for us is so intense that he became human, born of Mary to live as we do, to share in our humanity. No matter who we are or what we are, this is a time to celebrate God's unlimited love for each one of us. Always have hope. Know you are loved. Keep God's love in your heart always.
Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
for he will speak peace to his people,
to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.
for he will speak peace to his people,
to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.
Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.
that his glory may dwell in our land.
Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
and righteousness will look down from the sky.
The Lord will give what is good,
and our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness will go before him,
and will make a path for his steps.
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