PRAYER MOMENT
Friday
21 August 2015, St Pius X
YOUR
PEOPLE WILL BE MY PEOPLE
Pause. Enter into the stillness of God
within.
Reading: “Whereever you go, I will
go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your
God, my God.” (Ruth 1:1…22)
Reflection. If for no other reason, Ruth
is remembered for these words. Naomi has lost her husband and her two sons but Ruth,
the widow of one of her sons, stays with her and identifies fully with her
people. When we want an example of breaking down racial, religious or tribal
barriers we think of Ruth’s words. Inspiring and generous as they are they
still represent an ideal hard to reach. We think of South Sudan today and of
South Africa yesterday. And we can come closer to home because the fear of
difference, of foreigners, of “them”, is played out, not only in the news – IS,
Calais – but among people among whom we live. “The blood of tribe is stronger
than the water of baptism,” a Nigerian bishop once said.
Prayer. Lord, help us to “break
down the barriers” (Eph 2:14) that divide us and help us welcome others who are
different - not just with words - but with all our heart. Amen.
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