Focus
Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.
Read
Psalm 133 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
A Song of Ascents.
How very good and pleasant it is
when kindred live together in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down upon the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down over the collar of his robes.
It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion.
For there the Lord ordained his blessing,
life forevermore.
Reflect
It seems these days, in the time of social media vitriol, party politics, culture wars, and everything else going on in the 21st century, unity is not a standard, it is an exception. It’s hard for such a diverse group of people to imagine a world, a nation, or even a community as unified. Part of this stems from our definition of the word unity — where we often like to think it means “same.”
Our scripture, however, does not speak one word about homogeneity, rather it talks about integration as a picture of unity. In order to be ordained and anointed, Aaron has to rely on the actions of his brother, Moses. Moses needed Aaron’s leadership in his own ministry. The mountains mentioned are also brothers: Mount Hermon in the Northern Kingdom was snow covered and lush, while Mount Zion was drier and in the Southern Kingdom of Israel in the holy place of Jerusalem. The moisture of Hermon would be crucial for life on the drier Mount Zion, and the holiness of the the region of Jerusalem would be shared with Mount Hermon. In each case, diverse individuals lend their gifts to the other to create a strong union: the face of unity.
Pray
God of creation, we thank you for the diverse gifts, talents, and skills you have bestowed on all of us. Help us to integrate our very beings into the lives of others around us so that your kingdom receives glory. Help us find unity in a world full of division. Amen.
Go with God!
Leave a Reply
Your email is safe with us.