23 October 2024 – Pause & Pray

Every Wednesday we invite you to Pause & Pray with us. Today’s Pause & Pray is written by Camille Bianca Sumera Manangan.

Image: Camille made this drawing entitled “KASAMA” a Filipino word that means WITH

Pray

Life-giving and loving God, thank you for another day of trials and triumphs. Thank you for reminding us that our trials in life teaches us to be braver, stronger, and kinder. Thank you for letting us experience triumphs as a result of our hardwork and dedication. We ask that you continuously correct us in our own judgment and biases, guide us in our decision-making, and protect us from any form of danger and harm.

God, help us make people feel they belong in your kingdom even before they believe in you. God, help us become a channel of your love and grace towards all people. Please help us become more inclusive of all regardless of who they are and where they are from; we pray for more kindness and compassion in everything we do. We pray to continuously share your love with one another.

Forgive us God for the times we have failed you. Teach us to seek justice that comforts those who are deeply wounded and hurt. Fill us with the unconditional understanding to lead others and meet them where they are in life.

Be with us oh God, in strength, love, kindness, and patience, Amen.

Meditate

Is “WITH” just a word?

Cambridge Dictionary defines WITH as the “use of people or things that are together or doing something together”. WITH is a preposition word, however, it is a powerful word that can mean inclusion. Inclusion is a way to share God’s love and in order for us to share God’s love we must become an integral part in the life of other people, it is a call to be WITH others.

George W. Baldwin, a United Methodist local Pastor for twelve years and a seminary Professor for fourteen years felt called to live in VOLUNTARY POVERTY and resided in Nicaragua from 1984-1996. (Source: A Political Reading of the Life of Jesus by George W. Baldwin). I want to put the context of how Baldwin went on to live his life for us to see how we can carry each other’s burdens by being with one another and have a meaningful life with Jesus.

Imagine living in voluntary poverty to see how God works with the poor, or “el pueblo” as Baldwin calls it. Imagine seeking justice with the oppressed people. Imagine standing through mercy and compassion with those who are struggling in life either financially, emotionally, or spiritually. Imagine. Just imagine.

Do you see yourself dealing with all sorts of people? Do you think you will be able to live with those who are experiencing poverty, oppression, and suffering? Can you graciously give space and love to those who don’t have the same opinions and beliefs that you have in life?

Baldwin doesn’t encourage us to live in poverty. He is not inviting us to do what he did. He is encouraging us to be with those who are in need, to simply be with others, by acting with non-violent love, standing for justice, and working with ministry for those who are around us especially for those who are already vulnerable and in need in the society.

Sharing God’s love is simple. Be with others. Carry their burdens as they carry yours.
He wants us to be the salt and light of the world. He wants us to live out carrying each other’s burdens. He wants us to live WITH others, be WITH others, and become one in Spirit and in Truth WITH one another.

We must live with those who are oppressed, vulnerable, poor, in need, and suffering by being with them and by discarding our judgments, prejudices, and biases. We can be with others by living out our faith through mutual prayers, care groups, Bible study, scripture reading, and going to church. We can be with others by seeking justice through advocating and creating change. We can be with others by pursuing peace through sharing our valuable time, giving what we can, and loving unconditionally. In all of these ways and in many more ways, we can carry the burden of others and share the love of God.

Let us continue to be with others as a reminder of how God continuously shapes and blesses us by being with us.