Strive for excellence in these 3 things
by Renae Bauer
What matters to God? That’s the takeaway of this Sunday’s readings. Are we truthful? Generous? Loving of God and neighbor?
It is believe that St. Francis of Assisi wrote the “Prayer for Peace” which includes the line, “It is in giving that we receive.” How can you and I give witness to truth, service and love? Can we do more of what matters to God?
Isaiah 52:7 New Living Translation
"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that Our God of 'The Struggle' reigns!"
Renae, how striking that you chose the image of the feet of JESUS being bathed and anointed by 'The Woman Who Loves Much' for this week's message.
I am in awe.
'The Woman Who Loves Much' lives -- and loves -- within each one of us who have been known as 'God's second creation." I am the woman who loves much. You are the woman who loves much.
* We see the woman who loves much in those who are raising their children in stress-filled conditions with limited means and resources.
* We see the woman who loves much in those who are raising their voices, calling for equal pay, equal rights, equal dignity, and equal leadership roles, with equal recognition of talents, gifts, and abilities, given to serve the good of all, and most of all, to serve the needs of the 'least-among-us' with our special gifts of TLC.
* We see the woman who loves much in those raising the spirits of others who are weary and tired from a life-long struggle, those who have suffered and lost and grieved much.
* We see the woman who loves much in the indigenous and down-to-earth, and the awakened dreamers who articulate the need to pay attention to and heal the environmental illnesses of Mother Earth.
Romans 10: 14-16 New International Version
"How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” "[Is. 52:7]
We see how Paul, too, in the New Testament, aspires to and is inspired by the "beautiful feet of JESUS" upon which 'The Woman Who Loves Much' pours out her heart, her life, her self-giving ways in service and homage to JESUS, the One-Who-First-Loved-Her.
Beautiful feet, indeed. In deed.
Thank you, Renae.