Thursday, 20 August 2015

YOUR PEOPLE WILL BE MY PEOPLE

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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