Daily Worship

The cost of care

August 26, 2015 0 0

Matthew 5:10-12

Matthew 5:10-12
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  
​Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Luke 10:33 
But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.

I only want to help, Lord.
Only what?
Only the things I can deal with
easily?
Or maybe I can go further
the extra mile
find others to lend a hand.

I only want to help, Lord.
Only who?
Those who like me?
Those like me?
Those willing to receive?
Or could I
cross the divide?
white – black
rich – poor
north – south
left – right
green – blue?

But what if they object,
spurn my help, or,
lacking the ability to turn away,
pour out their venom in bile-words?
What if my friends, family, people
see what I’m doing
and turn on me
say I’m a traitor
no longer one of them?
What if giving help 
to another
means their friends, family, people
also shout or scream or fight?

What if, in breaking barriers down
there’s dust, rubble, consequences.

Do I want to help, Lord?

Be still, and know that I am God.
Be blessed, and know that I am.
Be glad, and know.
Be still.
Amen.