Hope = Strangers
Saturday, July 30, 2022
All Artwork by Tiffany Chung: Vietnam, Past Is Prologue 2019 Exhibit
INVOCATION
Spirit, we open our arms.
For it is right and good
to extend our arms
to one another.
—Cláudio Carvalhaes
ILLUMINATION
I listened to this beautiful podcast episode that was full of love and hope from Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History. I will say no more except to implore you to absolutely take the time to listen. This story is what what love can do! It will give you every reason to hope:
LITANY OF UBUNTU
from Liturgies from Below: Praying with People at the End of the World
Welcome to this community—your are, we are.
We are here to journey with you.
We are here to see you grow.
We are here to pick you up when you fall.
We are here to dry your tears when you cry.
We are here to mourn when you mourn.
We are here to celebrate when you celebrate.
Because I am, you are.
Because you are, I am.
EXHORTATION
Matthew 25:35-40
For when you saw me hungry, you fed me. When you found me thirsty, you gave me drink. When I had no place to stay, you invited me in, and when I was poorly clothed, you covered me. When I was sick, you tenderly cared for me, and when I was in prison you visited me.’ “Then the godly will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty and give you food and something to drink? When did we see you with no place to stay and invite you in? When did we see you poorly clothed and cover you? When did we see you sick and tenderly care for you, or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will answer them, ‘Don’t you know? When you cared for one of the least of these, my little ones, my true brothers and sisters, you demonstrated love for me.’
The Passion Translation
BENEDICTION
Believe, Behave, and Belong by Cláudio Carvalhaes
May the peace you experience here silence the sounds of conflict and weapons of warfare.
May the joy of knowing you are loved conquer hatred and mend broken relationships in the community.
May the love that surrounds you break down walls and barriers of political, social, and physical indifference.
May the Creator bless you richly with healing grace.
May you be a blessing to others, showing acts of kindness to your neighbor and all you encounter.
Believe, behave, and belong!
This was a balm for my soul. Thank you. These verses from Matthew 25 have been at the forefront of my mind for a while now. I appreciate the variety of sources and images you shared.
Matthew 25 is a pretty great summary of how to respond to the Gospel and gives so many options of kindness. Loved Malcolm Gladwell's podcast, just finished it, beautiful.