Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs
For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame
the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands.
For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice
but rather of power and love and self-control.
So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord,
nor of me, a prisoner for his sake;
but bear your share of hardship for the Gospel
with the strength that comes from God.— 2 Timothy 1
The peace of the Lord be with you. Just when it seems like things cannot get crazier they do. The last few months have have stressful enough contending with the invisible enemy called Covid and the isolation that has been required to keep us safe. Now in the last few days and weeks we see the effects of inequality rearing its head with and not only increasing division, but more violence and destruction of property. It would be easy to loose heart but we cannot, and should not, loose heart.
Our reading from Timothy tells us that times like this are inevitable because we live in a broken world far from what God intended when he created it. Timothy said we are given gifts and strength to get us through such times. We are to use these gifts with love and self-control and that these kinds of responses are acts of bravery and courage. As we continue to face the challenges that effect the world, I invite you to reflect on the words attributed to St Francis of Assisi…
Make me a channel of your peace where there is hatred let me sow your love where there is darkness only light and where there is sorrow only joy.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.