Saturday, January 5, 2002

Feed My Sheep

John 21:15-19

I have heard the words of John 3:16 many times before. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16 NIV)

On a Sunday afternoon following the Christmas school-break it was as though I was hearing them for the first time. The Residence Hall Choir of Howard University in Washington, D.C. was in concert. That day the soloist belted out the words, "Jesus, to earth he came, and took on the form of man and made the perfect sacrifice." At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the love of God come to all the world. Christmas reminds us that God's love is for everyone. As a child I found it hard to believe that I was included in the circle of God's love. As I listened to the choir and felt such warmth within, I knew the gift of God's love through Jesus was meant even for me. Jesus is the expression of God's love to everyone.

In choosing Mary to be the mother of Jesus, God identifies with those who are lowly and deemed unimportant in society, even the hungry he feeds. Like the poor and vulnerable in our society today, Mary faced the challenge of being an unwed mother in the eyes of society; she risked being stoned to death for adultery; and risked being abandoned by Joseph, her betrothed. Mary received the announcement from the angel that she would bear the Christ child and with courage, she accepted the risks because she believed the words of the angel.

In Luke 1:46-55 it is written that Mary said, "Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord, rejoice, rejoice, my spirit in God my savior; so tenderly has he looked upon his servant, humble as she is. For, from this day forth, all generations will count me blessed." In her song of praise to God, Mary remembered the merciful ways of God toward the poor, lowly, and hungry. She saw in the coming Messiah the love of God for Israel, God's people, and remembered God's promise to her ancestors.

Dorothee Soelle speaking in 1971 reminded us that we were all included in God's plan of salvation. She said, "My soul sees the land of freedom and my spirit will be delivered from fear. The empty faces of all God's children will be filled with life and become whole."

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but they shall have everlasting life. There is a wonderful broadness in God's love and that love extends to every generation.

Prayer:

O God of hope and power, we thank you for Jesus coming into the world to tell us of your love for all people. Help us to love one another as sisters and brothers as we seek to do your will each day. Amen.

Mary Council-Austin

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