Devotion

Scripture

Proverbs 10:12

Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.

Words of Hope

As a Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator, I meet with women who have newly diagnosed breast cancer, and help find resources for them, provide education, and offer emotional support. I develop a bond with some of these women. I feel a particularly strong bond with one woman I met. In our fist conversation, she mentioned that she teaches a Bible class, and she mentioned the words from a verse, “love covers all.” This woman has consistently shown patience with each obstacle to treatment, and gratefulness to God for each obstacle overcome. I have given those words a lot of thought since that day she first mentioned them.

Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. What would have been the outcome of the January 6th uprising at the Capitol if the protesters had taken these words to heart? Would there even have been a protest at all if protesters had not been egged on by a leader with hatred in his heart?

Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. How much further along would we be in the battle against COVID-19 if people took these words to heart? Even in fierce debate, conflict can be managed more effectively if the issues at hand are discussed in respectful tones. Disagreement does not have to be synonymous with hatred.

Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. When I get very frustrated, I tend to raise my voice. Significantly. How many conflicts could I have avoided with my partner Carol, if I could only remember to keep my voice down? I know that we resolve our differences more effectively when we discuss things calmly.

I will give my best effort to keep the words “love covers all” close to my heart, especially in times of strong emotion. The examples in my life prove that those words are indeed powerful.

Prayer

Loving God, help me to remember, as my passions rise, that your love covers all wrongs. I want to be a vessel for your love.

Devotion Author

Molly Sutton
COH Member

Scripture

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Words of Hope

Near to Me

I will wait for You in the moonlight, for I know that You will come faster than a shooting star. In the midnight hours my mind is on You, for I am Yours and You are mine. At first, waiting was so hard because troubles appeared to be moving ever closer to me faster than your approach. Then, I took a breath slowly inhaling and then, exhaling. You reminded me to look at Your star in the north. I looked at You as You looked at me and nothing bothered me anymore, because I knew that You are ever near to me.

In nine months, more or less, the child is born. It won’t come until it is ready. Everything has to be prepared. I don’t want it to come early and I don’t want it to come late. The child will know when it is time. Lord, in a short amount of time You will arrive. Patience is having confidence but where does the confidence come from?

Nothing else but experience will do. Because I have waited, I know how to wait. A mother having her first child is not the same as a mother having her fifth. I am young and have waited a little; be with me and I will be at rest.

I have waited to find my love. I did not settle, and I did not stray. For many long nights, I bemoaned the yearning. I grieved my longing. Some nights are still easier than others, but I have learned to trust You with all of my heart. When troubles draw near, I seek You in earnest.

Prayer

With passion I call to You and You comfort me. You say,

“I love you,” reminding me that I am not waiting for You. For the whole time, You, were waiting for me.  Amen

Devotion Author

Jonathon McClellan
Order of St. Francis and St. Clare

Scripture

Luke 16:19-31

“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.  And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.

In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.’  But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’ He said, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’ 

Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’ He said, ‘No, Father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”

Words of Hope

This gristly story was always one I remember as stressing charity and benevolence and it does, but in the light of today’s pandemic it has a different meaning to me as well.  I am thinking of all the people who refuse to get vaccinated and refuse to wear face masks, who by their actions have helped prolong this awful pandemic. 

They have heard scientists and public officials urge these precautions and have not heeded the warnings.  Some healthcare workers are among this group.  They have seen hundreds die from the virus, yet they will not get vaccinated.

I have heard stories of a few who have ended up hospitalized and as they are gasping for breath finally understand the seriousness of the disease, and unfortunately for some it is too late.

As Abraham replied to the rich man who was tormented in Hades. “‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”

Prayer

May we remember to listen to the words sent to us by God through the voices of scientists and doctors and take precautions to protect not only ourselves but our community.

Devotion Author

Hardy Haberman

Scripture

1 Chronicles 29.18:

O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our ancestors, keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts towards you

Word of Hope

Todayis National Freethought Day. The National Day Calendar says this day was promoted by several groups and that:

The day promotes logic and evidence-based decision making. Additionally, the observance offers an opportunity for freethinkers to have a sense of community. It also provides a way to open a dialogue and share their opinions…

…The organizers selected the date of October 12th due to a series of events dating back to the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. Throughout the trials, questionable evidence and accusers’ claims of witnessing devils and specters caused the case to be halted. Eventually, the hysteria surrounding the case and a letter written by the Massachusetts Governor William Phips on October 12th declared “spectral evidence” inadmissible in court. Up until that point, at least 20 accused had already been executed. The governor’s letter saved hundreds of lives. 

…At some point, the trials did resume and “spectral evidence” was allowed but largely discounted and those convicted were swiftly pardoned by Phips.

Many years ago I heard a preacher who was a biblical literalist say something that has stuck with me. He said that there are two ways to approach biblical proof. One is the scientific method and one is the historical method. Scientific method cannot prove Jesus existed or that any of the Bible is literally true. For that matter scientific method cannot prove George Washington existed.

Scientific method involves a theory expressed, tested, and repeated. This is how vaccines are developed, for example. Historical method involves looking at the influence a person had on the times in which they lived, the records of their deeds, and impact of their presence. It does not imply absolute truth. George Washington existed and this can be shown by all of these things. But, young George did not cut down the cherry tree. That was a fiction created to expound on his integrity. Historical truth is found by examining the stories and finding commonality. ‘Washington and the cherry tree’ is a metaphor. It is fiction; but it is true to the person.

When I was in high school, a catholic priest in theology class gave us an exercise which he said would either destroy or embolden our faith. He gave us a form to fill out on the stories of the resurrection. We looked at who came to the tomb; whom did they met or not, what did they see, who did they tell; etc.. Because we don’t often hear these stories together we may not realize how different the details are. One of the most important events, perhaps the most important, is not detailed well. Spoiler alert: there are two definite points of communality; Jesus was buried and three days later he was not in the tomb.

And here is how it was explained to us that this comparison would make or break our faith. Either we would call the whole thing as farce because the most significant thing about Jesus, his resurrection, was not clearly reported; or we would realize that there is an overriding message about Jesus that transcends the details.

So, this priest took a bold step and called upon our free will and free thinking. I cannot say how the class as a whole fell out on this. Being someone who is geared toward the metaphorical I personally had no problem understanding the details, told many years after the fact, might differ; but that there is an underlying truth.

So, I invite you today to examine your faith. I believe that an honest evaluation of the message of the Bible will lead to a deeper faith for many. I also believe that it will lead many to a different walk. We must be able to live, love and respect all those differences.

Prayerful Words

Great Creator who gave us hands for reaching out, hearts for loving, minds for thinking, guide us to use all you have given us for the benefit of all your people and all your creation. Lead us in truth beyond facts into an experience of the true meaning of living.

Amen

Devotion Author

Weber Baker
Order of Saint Francis and Saint Clare.

Word in Song

“Colors of the Wind”

You think I’m an ignorant savage
And you’ve been so many places
I guess it must be so
But still I cannot see
If the savage one is me
How can there be so much that you don’t know
You don’t know…

Songwriters: Alan Menken / Stephen Laurence Schwartz

(For the rest of the lyrics, see the end additions of this Devotion…)

Word of History

Today is currently celebrated as Indigenous Peoples Day. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a holiday that celebrates and honors Native American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. It is celebrated across the United States on the second Monday in October and is an official city and state holiday in various localities.

In the 1980s, Colorado’s American Indian Movement chapter began protesting the celebration of Columbus Day. In 1989, activists in South Dakota persuaded the state to replace Columbus Day with Native American Day. Both states have large Native populations that played active roles in the Red Power Movement in the 1960s and 1970s, which sought to make American Indian people more politically visible.

Then, in 1992, at the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ first voyage, American Indians in Berkeley, California, organized the first “Indigenous Peoples Day,” a holiday the City Council soon formally adopted. Berkeley has since replaced its commemoration of Columbus with a celebration of Indigenous people.

(For the rest of this article, see the end additions to this Devotion)

A Word of Hope

History does not fairly report how native people were treated when European explorers took over America. As a child I sang of God’s love of all people:

“Red or yellow, black or white, they are precious in God’s sight.” But even missionaries did not always treat native people well. The missionaries usually tried to “Americanize” as well as make Christians of the people. Which also meant telling them that their spiritual practices were wrong.

The church where I grew up wanted me to tell all non-Christians that their spiritual practices and beliefs were wrong. That they would go to Hell if they didn’t turn from Judaism, or Hinduism, or any other non-Christian religion.

How egotistical some Christians are to think we have the theology of who can go to Heaven all correct and everyone else is wrong!

The beautiful native dances and ceremonies of our Indigenous neighbors in America are so full of spirit and faith. They see God in every rock and tree and animal! How narrow we are if we only see God in our church structures! I am so pleased to have found a wonderful spiritual home in Cathedral of Hope and the United Churches of Christ who believe that everyone’s spiritual journey is valid. We do not appoint ourselves as judge over who is worthy. We read the Bible as telling us that God is love. And God’s love is unconditional.

And we are all connected to each other In a circle, in a hoop that never ends.

Prayer

God of all people, who really does love everyone just like the song from my youth- red or yellow, black or white. All are precious in your sight, and we praise you for such love.

Devotion Author

Jan Nunn
CoH Volunteer

The rest of the song…

You think you own whatever land you land on
The Earth is just a dead thing you can claim
But I know every rock and tree and creature
Has a life, has a spirit, has a name 

You think the only people who are people
Are the people who look and think like you
But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger
You’ll learn things you never knew, you never knew 

Have you ever heard the wolf cry to the blue corn moon
Or asked the grinning bobcat why he grinned
Can you sing with all the voices of the mountain
Can you paint with all the colors of the wind
Can you paint with all the colors of the wind 

Come run the hidden pine trails of the forest
Come taste the sun sweet berries of the Earth
Come roll in all the riches all around you
And for once, never wonder what they’re worth 

The rainstorm and the river are my brothers
The heron and the otter are my friends
And we are all connected to each other In a circle,
in a hoop that never ends 

How high does the sycamore grow? I
f you cut it down, then you’ll never know 

And you’ll never hear the wolf cry to the blue corn moon
For whether we are white or copper skinned
We need to sing with all the voices of the mountain
We need to paint with all the colors of the wind

You can own the Earth and still
All you’ll own is Earth until
You can paint with all the colors of the wind 

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Alan Menken / Stephen Laurence Schwartz Colors of the Wind lyrics © Walt Disney Music Company

Conclusion of article:

The holiday can also trace its origins to the United Nations. In 1977, Indigenous leaders from around the world organized a United Nations conference in Geneva to promote Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination. Their first recommendation was “to observe October 12, the day of so-called ‘discovery’ of America, as an International Day of Solidarity with the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas.” It took 30 more years for their work to be formally recognized in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which was adopted in September 2007. 

For Native Americans, Columbus Day has long been hurtful. It conjures the violent history of 500 years of colonial oppression at the hands of European explorers and those who settled here — a history whose ramifications and wounds still run deep today. 

But the discovery of America is something where you want to get your history right. And I think that to fully understand and take responsibility for who we are as a people in this land made it very important to be clear about who was here first and reflect on what happened in our history after that, in terms of the displacement and oftentimes genocide of those people. How that might have reflected a general discounting of the history and the humanity of nonwhite people of many kinds in this country and to take responsibility for our history. 

National Desk intern Megan Manata contributed to this report. 

There are 574 federally recognized Indian Nations (variously called tribes, nations, bands, pueblos, communities and native villages) in the United States. Approximately 229 of these ethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse nations are in Alaska; the other federally recognized tribes are in 35 other states. Additionally, there are state recognized tribes located throughout the United States recognized by their respective state governments. 

The Navajo Nation is the largest in land mass and population. Its people number over 400,000 as of 2018.

Scripture

Psalm 84.01

O God of Hosts, how dear to me is your dwelling. My soul has desire and longing to be present in the courtyards of your Temple.

A Word of Hope

Doesn’t that verse make each of us want to yell out “Amen”! We long to return to our familiar pattern of in-person, unmasked, worship at the Cathedral of Hope. We cherish memories of the days when we could casually pick up an item at the grocery store without stopping at the market door to realize we have left our mask in our glove compartment. But we must wait. I wonder how long will the disruption affect the emotional and spiritual lives of many? Then, I remember the plight of the Jewish people who survived when Roman forces destroyed Jerusalem and completely tore down their Temple structure in 70 CE.

With the total destruction of the building and death of hundreds of its priests and attendants, how could they practice their worship of God? Certainly, that was a “sour lemon” situation. However, some of the faithful leaders scattered from the ruined city and moved their lives and spiritual influence to other towns in Palestine, Egypt and elsewhere. In these new locations, they developed centers for Jewish education and new synagogues.

From these faithful Jews, the new Jewish rabbinic tradition developed. There was no central Temple for animal sacrifice. Instead, new synagogues sprang up where they taught Jewish history and the Law. A philosophy of life was created which was based on a personal commitment to a moral life and social goodness as God had always wanted. Out of the ashes of the destroyed Temple structure, this new rabbinic tradition flourished and has nourished Jewish people spreading their faith throughout the world.

How about us? Are we up for the task of putting the safety of others foremost in our thoughts, whether at church, the grocery store, or waiting in line for a table at a restaurant? That first century Jewish community still teaches us. We have the opportunity to watch our spirits grow during our trials. With our cooperation, God can make great lemonade out of a great disaster!

Prayer

Almighty God, we give you thanks that you will sustain and guide us through uncertain periods of life. We can place complete trust in your constant presence and love in our lives. Strengthen us to obediently listen and respond to your voice. And may our confidence in your guidance allow us to comfort and help those around us who experience fear and need. Amen.

Devotion Author

Donald (Luke) Day
Order of St. Francis and St. Clare

Scripture

Today, if you hear God’s voice,/ do not harden your hearts as in the …day of testing in the wilderness….Hebrews 3:7-8

A Word of Hope

Only a few days after the massacre of 9 people at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina in 2015, family members of those murdered—still raw from the loss—began to speak words of forgiveness publicly to the killer Dylan Roof whose racist hatred and bigotry spewed out in bullets.* As the video of Roof’s hearing went viral, people across the world heard their voices:

Nadine Collier, daughter of Ethel Lance: “I forgive you.”

Minister Anthony Thompson who lost his wife Myra also spoke forgiveness, urging Roof’s confession and turning his life over to Christ.

Felicia Sanders who miraculously survived the slaughter with her granddaughter: “May God have mercy on your soul.” In later statements she described the way she forgave immediately and said it was not a choice. “If you don’t [forgive] you’re letting evil into your heart. You’re the one suffering. You’re the one hating. You have to forgive. For you.”

Danielle Simmon’s granddaughter carried this principle further, asserting, “Hate Won’t Win,” a pledge she later turned into a movement by the same name.

Others, like Nadine Collier’s sister, were not there yet. They knew forgiveness can be a long journey, but, with God’s leading, they were on the road.

These expressions of forgiveness do not forfeit the search for justice for wrongs done. Nor do they mean we “forgive and forget.” They are gritty and hard and courageous.

We are challenged every day to choose whether to follow narratives of hatred and division or those of forgiveness, love, and the belief in the redemptive power of grace. Jesus is clearly on the side of the Emanuel Nine.

When he tells Peter that he must forgive 70 times 7, it is not to quantify—but to suggest there’s no limit to this movement. And there is no more powerful icon than Jesus on the cross. With his last breaths, he calls upon his Abba to forgive those who had perpetrated the injustice and terror of his crucifixion—and all who are complicit: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

Often we don’t fully know, don’t realize the cost of our actions or the hardened heart which leaves a residue of bitterness, toxicity, or regret.

Prayer

God of mercy and grace, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Amen.

Devotion Author

Dr. Pat Saxon

*The details of the Emanuel community’s forgiveness were refreshed by the article “Forgivness: A National Tragedy and Radical Love at Mother Emanuel AME” www.faithgateway.com/forgiveness-national-tragedy-radical-love-mother-emanuel/#.YUZGTn1Ok2w

Scripture

Psalm 11

In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain. For look, the wicked bend their bows…

A Word of Hope

The writer of this Psalm seems to have been surrounded by all sorts of adversity; enemies unknown to us attacking in the worst of times, the foundations of daily life seeming to be destroyed. Like so many Psalms, a lot of people attribute these words to David, whose struggles under the rule of a merciless King are well chronicled, but regardless of the identity of the writer, he was clearly having a bad day.

How about you? Do you ever want to flee like a bird to your own sanctuary, here called God’s Mountain Zion, a familiar place of refuge away from it all? Like the Psalmist, we each consider ourselves among the righteous, the upright in heart. What can the righteous do? The outside world seems to be closing in on us at times, but are we not told that God has our backs?

The Psalmist reminds us that we are not alone in our troubles. As in many of the Psalms, the image of God may seem remote and removed at first, with the metaphor of the all-powerful one sitting on the throne of a distant temple, but as the poet begins to wrap up the ancient song, God is not pictured as disinterested.

God observes everyone on earth; God’s eyes examine them.

In asking “what can the righteous do?” the Psalmist observes that there are circumstances which force us to realize that sometimes we can do nothing, nothing but know that God is observing and examining our situation. When the rest of the world seems to have deserted us, God is available to us before, during, and after the worst of times.

Of course, there are those among us who impulsively want to blame God every time bad things happen. It is sometimes difficult to remember that ours is a God of healing, not hurting. We live in an imperfect world and we are the imperfection. Bad things are going to happen, but as the Psalmist reminds us, the healing God will never desert us.

Prayer

Ever-present One, help us to daily spend time with you, time that reinforces our faith to remember that we always have the ability to fly like a bird to your mountain and take shelter in your holy refuge through a simple moment of prayer.

Devotion Author

Dan Peeler
Order of St. Francis and St. Clare

Scripture

Psalm 104. 24-25

24 How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. 25 There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number— living things both large and small.

A Word of Hope

Inner Peace

Peace is quiet and not loud, still and not in a hurry, surrendered and not struggling, and simply is without trying to be. Imagine a secret garden that grew without anyone ever helping it. The sun is shining on patches of daisies, lilies, and dandelions spread about the garden randomly in various colors. A small stream stretches the length of the garden flowing in the direction of a great mountain in the distance. Throughout the garden are many apple trees in season with both red and green apples. Finally, the grass is both soft and long, and bows as the wind dances through the garden.

Conversely, chaos is loud and not quiet, in a hurry and not still, struggling and not surrendered, and trying to be but is not there yet. Imagine a storm raging at sea and being caught trying to sail through it. Thunder is booming while lighting is striking. The wind is fighting against everything in its path. Water has become waves driven by the wind and is striking your boat. A tornado is forming in the sky while rain beats down heavily on your face and you can see nothing.

Nature shows us what peace and chaos looks like, however; it is our hearts that feel its effects. When our emotions guide us, our hearts become as changeable as the weather; but when we guide our emotions, we become unmovable. There is peace even on cloudy days in a heart that is quiet, still, surrendered, and simply is without trying to be.

Grow a garden in the sanctuary of your heart and fill it with all the things that bring you joy. Take care of it and never neglect it. Your peace of mind depends on how well you maintain your garden. The storm that rages on the outside does not reach the peace that you keep on the inside. This is what the ancients called ‘Inner Peace’.

Prayer

Spirit of Peace,

Guide and guard our hearts so that we may find, keep, and be at peace. Amen.

Devotion Author

Jonathon McClellan
Order of St. Francis and St. Clare

Scripture

James 1.17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Creator of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

A Word of Hope

A long-time friend of mine had a rule when we ate out; she called it “dessert first” explaining that by the time you finish your meal you may no longer be hungry, and who doesn’t want dessert? I occasionally complied because taking food to go, you can enjoy a really good entree twice. My dear friend Carmen loved her chocolate cake. What is your favorite dessert?

I carried the rule forward and I’m a strong advocate for not saving the best for last. Either way, no matter what you choose, and in all things, savor the moment. Today, I watched a favorite series with a good friend streaming early in the day, instead of waiting until after dark. If you took a spontaneous break today, what would you watch or read instead of waiting for later?

In our growing tendency for instant gratification, we can order anything online, and often, within the same day have our hearts desire, if only because it’s possible. Still, other things demand our patience. We don’t have to wait for wine or cheese to age, because the work is done before it reaches us. However, the second a tomato is vine ripe, it can’t wait.

Enough metaphor. Let’s think about you. What is something that can’t wait before the perfect time passes? What is another thing in which you are required to be patient? The point is, I’m finding my experiences and beliefs are often causing me to contemplate that old adage of saving the best for last. I find on some days the weather is perfect for a spontaneous walk. On other days the bananas are just overripe enough for banana bread or they’ll have to be thrown out. Trust me. I’m conscious this minute of not relating all these themes to food. But I’m realizing life is short.

Life has too often been cut short for my loved ones; and often I think I need to enjoy everything I can while I’m here. I remember it turned out Carmen was right. She left this world much too soon. Who knew her thinking was so prophetic? She didn’t. Let me be clear. I’m not suggesting we change our eating habits or rush out right now and do our bucket lists. This isn’t about rushing the process. What I am saying is to savor this moment and take a moment to not just be grateful… but to savor.

Savor The time God has given you. How will you savor your time and show gratitude to God for it? Savor your relationships. Who comes to mind with whom you’d like to enjoy savoring a few more minutes? Savor your pet. If you have a pet, you probably know very well exactly how to do that. Savor your next meal. What food will you enjoy the most?

Do you savor the rain? Think about the life-giving water drops falling from the sky. Plants, animals, trees and insects are being fed. The air is cleaned. Now the rain is in slow motion. Perhaps it’s a shower. It is refreshing your face; not too warm or cool. Magically, you’re not concerned with being wet. If you savor God’s gift of rain along with other countless every-day blessings, you can experience that same joy you can receive by occasionally ordering that desert first.

Prayer

O God, your rain drains off. We’re dry once more. On its journey, the water became new life again. May we allow yourselves to be refreshed and renewed by simple pleasures, knowing that no blessings that come from you are small.

Devotion Author

Charlie C. Rose
Order of St. Francis and St. Clare