Today’s author is Prince of Peace member, Carol Swanson.
Back in my Lutheran Camp days, one of my favorite songs was based on 1 John 3:1. It’s the first thing I thought of when I read this text. It was a joyful round, so simple. It could be sung while hiking or around a campfire, with or without guitar. Maybe some of you know it.
“Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us (clap clap. Repeat)
“That we should we called the children of God” (clap clap. Repeat)
“Father,” “children”—these bring to mind the theme of “kinship,” which I would like to address again in another devotion to be published in two parts, tomorrow and Thursday on the web, so I hope you look for them. But for now, I want to address “JOY!”
We have been blessed with the Olympics these last 2 weeks. It officially opened with the joyful excitement of the national teams in a boat parade on the Seine, intermixed with the playfulness of a mysterious figure in a fencing mask and outfit skipping over rooftops and through key Parisian locations, with musical entertainment groups cleverly popping up, leading us to the lighting of France’s unique Olympic Cauldron, opening the 2024 Games. The Olympic Games bring the world together, from the smallest Island nations to the largest of nations. I love to hear the stories of the athletes and to see the respect and comradery they show one another.
Is this a glimpse of what our global village—our global family—could be? Friendly games of awesome skills and friendly competition? Games, not wars?
Eight Palestinian athletes from around the globe honor their roots and form the Palestine Olympic team. As reported by ABC NEWS, “The growing death toll is front and center in the minds of several Palestinian athletes, who say they are using their international platform to bring awareness to the violence and dire humanitarian crisis facing civilians in Gaza.”
Ukrainian athletes remind us they face war every day at home. “487 Ukrainian athletes killed following Russia’s invasion honoured in Parliament Square.” Today, in Paris, 140 Ukrainian athletes compete in 26 sports. They want to show that Ukraine survives. (Gov.UK and AP News)
As we were reminded at Sunday worship, we are Saints and Sinners. As our guest preacher, Rev. Lynda Thompson, advised,
• Don’t lose heart; count moments of joy, of gratitude. [That’s what the Olympics are about!]
• Speak the truth with love. God’s love and truth overcomes hate and lies.
• Care for each other. People are hurting all around us.
• Participate in the world as Christians. Remember to Vote.
Using a petition from the Prayers of the Church on Sunday, let us pray together:
Grant, oh God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may move every human heart, that the barriers dividing us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatred cease. And that with our divisions healed, we might live justice and peace. Merciful God, you hear our prayer.
Into your hands, O God, we commend all of whom we pray, trusting in your boundless and infinite love. Through Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.