Benjamin Ferencz. Credit: Washington Post |
Credit: Washington Post |
Ben Ferencz’s passion reverberates in my mind today and somehow interacts with my own thoughts and journey during this meditative season of Lent.
Inter-church Lenten services are held in my community. I’m inspired by
them and thoroughly appreciate fellowship with people from other denominational
affiliations.
Sure, we may differ in some doctrinal particulars and practises. Fact is
though, that God is not beholden to me and neither are those people. But, I am
beholden to God and it is incumbent on me to recognize His grace as extended
towards and expressed through those who believe that Jesus is Christ, the Son
of God, our Lord and Saviour, who gave His life and shed His blood to redeem us
from our sins and reconcile us to God.
I feel the warmth of fellowship “in Christ” with many, regardless of
race and colour, and we mutually embrace each other as Christ-followers.
That’s also love.
We hear much about mistrust, anger and hate directed towards “the
other,” in our society and in the world at large, today. In harmony with Mr.
Ferencz, I acknowledge that information and education can play a part, and that
laws banning expressions of hate and hateful acts might help. Trailer Credit: maxresdefault ; YouTube |
Jesus Christ’s accomplishment through the cross declares that self-giving and loving actions can help change attitudes and outcomes and can break down the walls of suspicion and mistrust that divide. And yet, even He met with fierce opposition that led to His crucifixion and death. But was it not really His Divine love that held Him to the cross?
May the love of God our Father, through the grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ, transform hearts today.
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Peter A. Black lives in Southwestern Ontario. He writes a weekly inspirational newspaper column, P-Pep! and is author of Raise Your Gaze ... Mindful Musings of a Grateful Heart, and Parables from the Pond. ~~+~~
3 comments:
The world is full of great people. So good to hear about one I knew nothing about. Thanks Peter. Rose
Hi, Peter.I agree with your take on laws. There are never enough laws to handle the complexities of human relationships. Only a changed heart with the capacity to love, respect and forgive others can triumph; and this type of love comes from Jesus example. Thank you for this thought.
Thank you, Rose and Carol.
I consider it right and good to affirm those who give of themselves passionately to noble causes and to the well-being of people and the betterment of society, and to applaud them for their work. However, real change surely must take place at a deeper, radical level than what the brain knows or may learn. The mind, disposition and desires require transformation, as well. That at least borders on the spiritual, I'd say.
And yes, as you say, "Only a changed heart . . . Jesus' example" (and the Holy Spirit's enabling, too). ~~+~~
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