Weekly Inspiration (7/6/24)

“ Jesus has given us everything, even his own life, and he has given it purely and freely. In him there is no clamoring for attention, no seeking after human praise. He does not posture or try to impress. He comes as a servant, loving and gentle, and embraces a way of humble service, giving himself wholeheartedly for the world that God so loves. In all things, Jesus is our model. “

Br. David Vryhof
Society of Saint John the Evangelist

Poem of the Week

Take Courage
by Steve Garnaas-Holmes

We know love by this,
          that he laid down his life for us—
          and we ought to lay down our lives for one another.
                                             —1 John 3.16

The one whose heart was broken for the people,
who, powerless, lifted up the powerless,
who, wounded, overthrew all shame and judgment
and stood against oppression,
who was rejected by shame and judgment
and crushed by oppression—the crucified one —
that one has been made new and whole.
The life that was laid down has been raised,
and given the power of infinite life.
Into this death we have been baptized,
and into this resurrection we have been raised.
This spirit is now in us; this love is now ours to steward.
Let us then live with that spirit,
with compassion, generosity, trust, and courage;
and lay down our lives that have already been raised up.

We know that we have passed from death to life
because we love one another.