I consider the formation and nurture of healthy relationships central to living our faith and being fully human. We all love and relate with some people more deeply than others. Yet, along with those primary relationships, as we connect with others in meaningful ways we discover and experience the most profound joys and sorrows of human life. We also find our lives interwoven with the Author and End of Life. Similarly, vibrant personal relationships with God shape the ways our lives intersect with others. Our denominational constitution declares, "Life is a gift to be received with gratitude and a task to be pursued with courage" (Confession of 1967; 9.17). Healthy relationships produce that gratitude and evoke that courage.
My heart has ached recently as we heard the allegations of sexual abuse of a child by a Penn State football coach. I dare not claim to know what did and did not happen; but if there was wrongdoing I believe that a healthy sense of connection could have made a difference. Most of us would like to think that if we witnessed the abuse of a child we would try to stop it. If we recognized the child as a member of our church, we would be more likely to respond. If the child were our next door neighbor, we would be even quicker to do something. If the child were our own, we would charge into action ignoring nearly any risk. The more connected we feel with another human being, the less the letter of the law matters and the more what we believe to be good, noble, and true comes to bear.
I do not suggest that we should become moral vigilantes, who prowl the streets to distribute justice. I simply believe that our capacity to do the right thing increases as we see others as people of worth. We lack the ability to know the names of all those we encounter and we cannot solve all the problems they face, but we can care what happens to them. Healthy connections begin with caring. Perhaps that is why Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors as ourselves.
This weekend we observe Reign of Christ or Christ the King and ponder where and how Jesus reigns in our lives. Do we, who sing "Jesus Loves Me," display the love we receive in our interactions with others? When we confirmed our baptism, we called Jesus Lord and promised to obey his Word and show his love. What difference does that confession make in the lives of those we encounter daily, occasionally, and rarely? This weekend let's pray, "Lord, help me to care." We lack the wisdom and strength always to see or do what is right, but we can care. Caring will not make our lives easier. The more we care, the more vulnerable we become. Yet, that vulnerability connects us with others and makes us truly alive.
One of our saints reminded me that this is National Adoption Awareness Month. May we all say a prayer for families with chosen children, children awaiting adoption, and parents who love the children for whom they have made adoption plans. May we pray for our children and all children. And may God use our prayers to help us care more deeply and broadly. Relationships that shape the world will follow.
Grace and Peace,
LP
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