SAVING THE CITY OF
SODOM/BREAD FOR A FRIEND
Of course, we all know that scripture was shared, then
written, thousands of years ago, reflecting on the people who lived in those
times with their cultures, beliefs and traditions. And sometimes we are left scratching our
heads as to what the inspired writer’s message really means for us.
As I read this weekend’s story from Genesis, I imagined
listening in to the conversation between Abraham and the Lord, as Abraham tried
to convince God not to destroy the innocent people of Sodom. He begged the Lord’s mercy and kept at it, if
there were “at least ten there”. And
God’s mercy prevailed.
I tried to picture Abraham here today in 2019, begging the
Lord to save our country and see that it was worth saving if there were only a
few innocent people left. A few hundred,
a few thousand, a few million perhaps and God’s mercy would prevail.
That is the hope of my journey – God’s mercy for all who are
trying to walk in God’s way. Some days
produce a closer walk than others for me.
After reading the Gospel of Luke, describing one who seeks
out a friend to borrow some bread, I recalled an experience last Sunday. After spending
several hours in our home preparing it for a neighborhood gathering today, I
left projects undone because I was
“undone” and needed a break for a bit.
The house was still in a state of disarray as was I. The doorbell rang soon after I sat down to
give my aching feet a rest. L When I opened the door, two smiling guests
were there all ready to party, albeit one week early. I was mortified, they
were embarrassed. At first I wanted to
send them away and keep my messy self and house from too much view. But with their chilled bottle of wine in hand,
I invited them in and we all had a great time visiting.
Jesus keeps on giving us opportunities to “open our doors”,
either those of our homes or those of our hearts. I pray for the grace to seek God’s mercy when
the door of my own heart is sometimes not opened to God-visitors who are
seeking the Lord’s path through me.
Reflection by Mary Keefe
No comments:
Post a Comment