Who has a hold on you? Who has laid claim to your heart? ...Who's story is claiming and softening your heart? What questions are rising? Those are God's invitations. It's an ancient pattern: when God hears the voices crying in the wilderness, God sends Moses and Aaron and Miriam, and eventually, you and me. When we hear the people cry, they lay a claim on us. That's where we meet Jesus, that's where we share God's love, and that's where we're meant to be. - p. 29
++Katherine ends this first section of the book by reminding us of our interconnectedness. Each of us, in come fashion, is both dependent upon and responsible for all others. And as we make our way through the day, we are bombarded by images of others, either live images through our car windows, or mediated images in radio or television newscasts, of brothers and sisters who are in desparate need.
As we noted earlier, we can be overwhelmed by the amount of need that we encounter in our communities. But that shouldn't deter us from responding. I was once told that we cannot change everything at once, but we should find one thing, and focus on that. One person, one family, one community challenge, and commit to making that one thing better.
Just look around the immediate surroundings of our church. The immediate block...what do you see? Does anything "get a hold on you"? Does an image burn itself into your mind? Have you shared your perception of that need with the members of the church vestry? If not, why not? We are, each of us, members of the Body of Christ. When you see it, share it. Post it here, or bring it up with the clergy. Silence is not an answer to God's invitation to make a difference.
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Who's got a hold on me? This is something I have never been asked. Not in such a direct manner. Indeed, so many people that I see, everyday. So many victims I see in the news, victims of injustice or disaster. People with absolute joy on their face, people who's face and eyes light up. Photos in the paper, magazines, TV. Photos that I see that burn themselves into my memory, and my soul. These people got to me. People I don't know, but personally have seen or have experienced what they feel. I have seen and experienced so much good. And I have seen and experienced so much bad.
There are times I remember in the hall, after special services where the public is welcome. Times where food and drink were being served. Two years in a row, I met and talked with a couple of homeless men, sat and ate with them. What intersting conversation, with very intelligent people! They got hold of me.
Not only people, but animals too. A particular horse at the zoo, a picture of a dog caught way high up in a tree, a gorilla painting the most remarkable pictures. These creatures got hold of me! :)
Again, John inviting all to the Lord's table. That got hold of me. First Richard E. and then John reminding us all to just "do the right thing". That got hold of me.
It is funny that you mentioned you were once told you can't change everything at once. I have been told many times by more than one person, that I can't change the world. Doesn't keep me from trying though! :)
Peace
K.
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