It is Sunday afternoon and I have been praying and staring at my blank computer screen for the past twenty minutes, praying for some movement of the Spirit to guide me—wondering what I need to say to you today. 

Raphael, one of our maintenance personnel, came by. I asked him, “Is there anything on your mind today? What matters most to you? His immediate response was, “I always ask God for good health. If I have good health I can do anything; I respond to my love ones better.” I am struck by how universal this request to God is. Good health and loved ones are two threads that unite all human kind.

Today in Prayer Circle as we engaged the scripture, 1Corinthians 12:12-20, one of the main themes that evolved was that we all have a place in the church. At times we may not be called on to lead and, at other times, we are encouraged to participate and take a leadership role. As we were talking in Prayer Circle, I was thinking, right now I am not using my feet and legs, but when I am ready to leave they will very handy going to the sanctuary. We all have a vital role. God has gifted each one of us. It is up to each one of us how we use our God-given gifts.

Today we honor and remember Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.  What a splendid example of the power of one person focused first on God and then on the need for justice. I consider racism as still the number one crisis in the United States today. Yes, there have been positive changes; but racism has become so systemic that often we fail to recognize it—it is taking the face of a fence to keep the Mexicans out of the US. But I don’t believe we have to point out others—I join others for lunch at a restaurant and I notice there are no Asians, no Afro-Americans.  I need to ask myself and my group, why is this?  When my eyes are open ~ what am I called to do in the name of justice?

I began with what unifies humanity and end with what divides humanity – but let’s not forget the all important middle part - you and I - and the role we are expected to live as we love God and use our God-given gifts to expedite justice for all.  We often pray that God will open our eyes so that we can see the injustices around us ~ open our ears so that we can hear the cries of the needy.  Are we only interested in playing it safe?  Friends the Gospel is not interested in safe – it is interested in justice.

What matters most to you?