Scripture Reading
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
John 13:34
Thought of the Day
Last week I had the privilege of watching a Zoom video conference for the Ordination to become deacons in the Episcopal Church. I watched for Natalie, a former youth from our church, and her husband, James. It was a great service. Each candidate was presented to the Bishop and then ordained as deacon. There was music and scripture readings. Then the Bishop delivered one of the best sermons I have ever heard. He began by sharing about a family trip his family had taken to Nova Scotia. He talked about a long bridge that they had traveled on. He then talked about the famous Bridge to Nowhere up in Alaska. It seems that there was a proposal to build a bridge from Ketchikan to Gravina Island for a cost of almost four hundred million dollars to replace the current method of getting there which was a ferry. The bridge was eventually canceled because it was not needed at all. It became known as the Bridge to Nowhere. The Bishop went on to tell the new deacons that their responsibility was to build bridges in order to save the church. It was most powerful.
As I sat there and heard his words, I could not help but think about where we are in our country today. It is a situation we have been in for a long time. Sadly, some of the bridges that have been built have gone to nowhere. Or at least have not been bridges for all people regardless of color.
I hope that this is the time. It must be. We are called to build better bridges. We are called to build bridges that connect all people everywhere. So, you might be thinking, where do I begin. Start with prayer. Always start with prayer. Then educate yourself. Then look inward and see what biases and prejudices that you might have in your heart. (This is a tough thing to do but most important.) Then initiate meaningful conversations with others. First, with your family and friends and then beyond. Then research how your resources (time and money) can be best used to make a difference. Of course, there is much much more that needs to happen. We have to become bridge builders. It must begin today.
Prayer
Lord, we need You to guide and direct us to build bridges for everyone. Amen.