Reflection
Jesus made it clear that his followers were to be compassionate and inclusive. All were part of his community; no one was left outside his circle. To be absorbed in our own safety, needs and comfort while others suffer is not only selfish and self- absorbed but an affront to the Christ whom we claim to follow. Biased focus on differences, feelings of superiority, and unwillingness to open ourselves to the equality and human needs of others is a rejection not only of them but also of Jesus. In the present climate in our country where some tend to flout their Christianity while denigrating the faiths of others it is worth remembering what it means to be a Christian. To be a Christian is to be reflective of the love of Christ. As he was conscious of and impartial toward the needs of others, so must his followers be.
Prayer
May I have the grace to live as a true follower of Jesus.
Action
Where do I reject others? What needs to change in me?
Suggested Reading
‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ He will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers or sisters of mine, even the least of them, you did it to me.”
Matthew 25:35-40
The secret of Christian living is love. Only love fills the empty spaces caused by evil.
Pope Francis
Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.
St. Francis of Assisi
Ultimately, America’s answer to the intolerant man is diversity, the very diversity which our heritage of religious freedom has inspired.
Robert F. Kennedy
You see, our glorious diversity—our diversity of faiths, and colors and creeds―that is not a threat to who we are, it makes us who we are.
Michelle Obama
It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.
Maya Angelou
If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.
John F. Kennedy
We have become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.
Jimmy Carter
Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another’s uniqueness.
Ola Joseph