10-09-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
October 9, 2024
Not only is today my birthday, but it also would have been the 84th birthday of John Lennon. Today is also the 44th anniversary of a meeting between the Dalai Lama and Pope John Paul II. It was a controversial meeting, at least from the perspective of China, which had occupied and annexed Tibet starting in the early 50’s. Though the world did not fully understand the depth of the friendship until after the Pope’s death, there was something special happening within the two of them. On a number of occasions, the Pope quoted Buddhist thought, something he probably would not have previously done, including the phrase, “Better than a thousand useless words is one single word that gives peace.” I am reminded of John Lennon, who sang, “You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will live as one.” What’s the one word for this day that will help us join together and move a little closer to peace?

Thank you, O Gracious and Patient God. You remain tenacious in the way you walk alongside us and work with us, even when we are not living the vision you cast before us in Jesus. Help us find sacred friendships that will bring both joy and challenge, encouraging us to strive toward a greater witness of your Living Word. Amen.