We have an interesting set of readings this morning. The familiar story of Joseph offering forgiveness to his brothers after thinking they had done away with him long ago. Paul’s invitation to listen, trying to explain Christ’s message, and addressing the Corinthian people directly – helping lead them to change their behavior and their lives. And in Luke’s words from our own Gospel reading this morning, Jesus reminding us that we might not always agree with one another, but it’s critical to listen, in order to understand; to walk away and forgive; and to love and care for one another.
My parents instilled in me a love of travel. We’d pack up the car, often leaving early in the morning, while it was still dark. When my kids were younger, we did the same with them. Just ask them – good memories of getting everyone up and out early.
Traveling enables us to experience other people and cultures – different ways of life and living. It helps us learn and expand our understanding of the world. It teaches us about history and geography. Teaches us about different political and economic systems. It gives perspective and teaches us that not everyone looks like us; or looks at the world in the same way that we do. We gain new insights that help us better understand ourselves, as well as others. Along the way, hopefully you get to talk to people – listen to a different language…maybe speak a different language.
During a recent vacation, we visited La Perla, just outside the walls of Old San Juan. La Perla was originally a home for former slaves and servants, as they were people exiled to settlements outside the walls. It’s one of the areas seen as abandoned by relief efforts after Hurricane Maria. Our visit was part of a give back to the community – that involves any number of different activities – that have included putting together toiletry kits for a homeless shelter; serving at a soup kitchen; sometimes planting trees. We walked along some of the streets there – while listening to the history of the area – with remnants of brightly painted houses, many of which were leveled during the storm – several others abandoned. We then stopped to clean and plant sprouted herbs in the hydroponic garden – that is set up next to the Community Center. The hydroponic system and supplies were donated by a previous visitor to the area…set up to provide some way for the residents to raise their own vegetables and herbs. A way for them to see that in the midst of this devastation life continues. (more…)
