Monday, December 3, 2001
Read:
Mark 11:15-19
This week we look at Mark 11:15-19 -- Jesus
tossing moneychangers out and reminding all who would listen
of the prophet's vision of prayer being a key to life. I have
chosen to look at this passage from the perspective of recent
historical events. This reflective scheme can be personalized
by using episodes in your own life.
On this day in history -
1967 - 1st human heart transplant performed in South Africa.
At this same time a social heart transplant was needed for the
disease Apartheid.
With this image from our past, questions arise regarding what
social heart transplant currently needs to take place in:
+ your world
+ your nation
+ your community
+ your home
+ your heart.
Here is one set of suggestions from my immediate situation (yours
will be different):
+ transplanting international
conversation for the space shield symptom of Nationalism
+ transplanting universal
health insurance coverage for privatized policies pointing
to
Capitalization
of Humanity
+ transplanting improved
recycling for fear of tax increases showing Short-termism
+ transplanting meals
with the neighbors for frozen, individually packaged meals
indicating Me-ism
+ transplanting courage
to do something about one of the above for Giving up.
Another way of envisioning this challenge from Jesus is to open
one's heart to pay attention to what one prays about. Will your
heart be opened to hear what GOD's presence would offer for direction?
Will your heart be ready to be jump-started with a renewed passion
for social justice? Will your new heart beat strongly for a social
issue? Will you enter the realm of disease (one of those mentioned
above or one that you recognize being called to heal) and use
your skills to transplant hope and change?
Advent is in part birth pangs. This is a week that calls us to
birth all that is needed for making rough places smooth and bringing
down tyrants. To be born again is to transplant our hearts "on
earth as it is in heaven."
Pray for courage and then apply it.
Wesley White
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