Break Down the Walls That Separate Us

O God, you make us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the wall that separate us; unite us in bonds of love, and work through the struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.


The above is from The Book of Common Prayer.  It is perhaps the oldest and best of our devotionals, first written in the 16th century, serving as a guide for the Anglican faith.  It has gone through a number of revisions over the years, mostly to keep the language accessible.

This was the reading for today in the 2018 Lenten Meditations Booklet put together by Episcopal Relief and Development, an organization that strives to help people across the globe, who face poverty, natural disasters, disease, and malnutrition.

One of the great things about the Christian faith are the many missions that are pursued throughout the world.  Especially blessed are those that reach out to be the hands and feet of Christ, assisting others through direct aid and comfort, as opposed to those who bludgeon by mouth, with threats and fear.

One of the disappointing things about the Christian faith is how much of it is centered around a particular culture or nation.  There or no Christian nations.  There cannot be.  It is impossible.  Nations and cultures are artificial barriers that have nothing to do with the love of Christ, and the worship of God, the father and mother almighty.

Christianity should not be building walls to separate us. It should be tearing them down.

Good thing to keep in mind.