Here’s a deep thought to ponder: everyone is some one. We each have a name. A story. A scar. A place of birth and a time of death. Something always happens during the waking hours. And even while we are sleeping our name, our story and our scar continue to define us whether we like it or know it or not.
In essence these elements are the things that unite us. Our differences might define us but they also draw us together. Jesus knew this. Eating with “sinners” to touching the “unhealthy” to reaching out to the “out” Jesus understood we are all one; not just some one but simply ONE. Jesus saw us as children of God. We all belonged to God. And therefore we all belong to one another. What might life life be like if we actually practiced such radial inclusion? If we truly looked at the other person and saw not just the divine image of a loving and merciful God, but also our own self; name, story, scars et al. What might our streets look like or jail cells be like if we began to recognize that everyone is more than a brother or sister...they are me! “I am the other you. You are the other me.” “The invitation for the christ in me is to see the Christ in you. There is no one outside of that way of seeing.” This is what it must be like to love your neighbor as yourself. And what we must do in order to truly forgive one another as God has forgiven in you and me...us.
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Ian MacdonaldAn ex-copywriter turned punk rock pastor and peacemaker who dedicates his life to making the world a better place for all humanity. "that they all might be one" ~John 17:21“Prius vita quam doctrina.”
~ St. Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) * “Life is more important than doctrine.”
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