2 Corinthians 9:8-9 The grace of God comes with shouts of peace, peace to the people of earth.

Psalm 112:9

He has dispersed abroad,

He has given to the poor;

His righteousness endures forever;

His horn will be exalted with honor.

The gifts of God, our talents and our finances, come with inner peace and love for all of God’s creation, not chaos and hatred. We are meant to share them. We cannot be followers of Christ, who was born a man of color, and be racist. We cannot be Christ followers and seek to kill, steal and destroy His creation. That is the works of Satan. There is no one righteous but God and He knows that we are mere humans praying for His will in our lives and in the world. We fail but we get up and try again. It is never too late to change. Carla

 

2 Corinthians 9:8-9 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written:

“He has dispersed abroad,

He has given to the poor;

His righteousness endures forever.”  NKJV)

2 Corinthians 9:8-9 Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work.  9 As it is written: "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."  New American Bible—Vatican

If we give, God is able to give us more so that we can perform other good works. In other words, God sees to it that the generous giver will not suffer want. Instead, God generously provides for those who give so that they can continue to do so. This verse is Paul’s prayer for God’s blessing to be poured out on the Corinthians. The words supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food are adapted from Isaiah 55:10. The latter part of the verse is a reflection of Hosea 10:12. The NKJV Study Bible

God is able to cause all grace. The Corinthians may have felt concerned about giving money because of the uncertainty of life in the ancient world. Paul does not want this to be reason for them to withhold their generosity. Paul affirms that God can provide everything they need, just as He is doing for the church in Jerusalem. “His righteousness remains forever” Paul quotes Psalm 112:9 to suggest that giving alms and being generous are expressions of God’s righteousness. Faithlife Study Bible

Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 

Philippians  4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 

Proverbs 11:24–25

There is one who scatters, yet increases more;

And there is one who withholds more than is right,

But it leads to poverty.

The generous soul will be made rich,

And he who waters will also be watered himself.

In a world where exclusion is real, I choose the Gospel: “You belong. Your humanity is not up for negotiation. Your presence does not require anyone’s permission.”
I choose to be a witness.
And one of the gifts of wisdom the Buddhist monks offered to us these past weeks, is the permission—and the necessity—to embrace peace within.
“We walk not to protest, but to awaken the peace that already lives within each of us,” said Bhikkhu Pannakara, spiritual leader of the Walk for Peace.
Because here’s the deal: We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves. And as another monk reminded us, “Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.”

This makes sense. And is so important in a world where it is easy to be troubled, and “have no words.” Recently, people have shared with me, “I feel so powerless.”
This I know to be true: Uncertainty and insecurity take a toll on our emotional and mental and spiritual well-being.
I choose to be a witness… Yes. And it comes from being grounded in self-care. And self-care is a radical act of healing, resilience and well-being.
So. Where do we begin?
Well, a self-care plan isn’t a bad start.
This I know: I don’t want to shut down. 

We begin with the essential reminder that care of any kind—engagement, service, kindness, generosity, ministry, teaching, compassion, gentleness, encouragement, healing, being a witness—is predicated on, and fueled by self care.

As “witnesses”—grounded in self-care—we offer coffee, and we make space.
We make space to see—I “see” you, and you belong here.
We make space to give wholeheartedly.
We make space to welcome those excluded and demeaned.
We make space to offer comfort or reprieve or hope.
We make space to speak truth to power, to not be silent about things that matter.
We make space to be Sabbath (sanctuary—self-care and self-love), in a world of disquiet, disruption, misgiving and cruelty. Sabbath Moment

“Dear God, May we come home to what is true within us. May we be grounded in love, steady in compassion, awake to our purpose, and willing to carry that light into the world. Amen.” Maria Shriver

1 John 1:9 (ESV) "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

The Apostle John wrote these words in a letter to the churches of Asia Minor, where people were exposed to many conflicting ideas about sin. False doctrines within the Church had begun to blur lines, denying or minimizing the reality of sin and removing the perceived need for confession. These heresies posed a serious threat to the core truths of the Christian faith.

In response, John wrote to refute these dangerous teachings and encouraged believers to get "back to the basics" of authentic Christianity, including the need to acknowledge their own sin (1 John 1:8). He also emphasized confession as a necessary step toward being made clean: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us ..." (1 John 1:9, emphasis added).

The Greek word for "sins" in this verse is hamartias, which literally means "to miss the mark." Confession acknowledges the distance between us and the mark: Jesus Himself. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that Jesus was fully God and fully man on earth, and He faced every kind of testing yet did not sin. John, who walked closely with Jesus (1 John 1:1), personally witnessed what it meant to live in perfect truth and love. So he also understood the deep divide that sin creates between us and God ... because unlike Jesus, we are all imperfect and inevitably miss the mark. But through confession, we experience cleansing and restoration of our fellowship with God. Our Creator already knows everything about us (Psalm 139:1), and when we confess, we acknowledge and agree with this fact. We also acknowledge that He is "faithful and just" (1 John 1:9). He freely forgives us and replaces our guilt with deliverance and joy (Psalm 32:5-7). First5

Romans 5:1-5 We are all justified by Faith it is the beginning of our walk with God

Romans 5:6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. NKJV

Romans 5:6 For Christ, while we were still helpless, yet died at the appointed time for the ungodly. New American Bible-Vatican

Jesus gives us His heart of compassion, mercy and ultimately His grace. It is the beginning of our walk with our triune God. May we offer all of His creation the peace only He can give. Carla

Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. NKJV

Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 

2 through whom we have gained access (by faith) to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. 

3 Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, 

4 and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, 

5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us. New American Bible—Vatican

Peace here is not a subjective feeling of peace. Rather, this peace is the state of being at peace instead of at war. The hostility between God and the believer has ceased. The believer has been reconciled to God. To have access means “to approach,” as if by introduction into a king’s throne room. Believers have been granted admission to stand before God. Even though they were once rebels, they do not have to face His judgment. Instead they approach His throne in the realm of grace, or in the King’s favor. 

Rejoice means “to boast” and hope means “expectation.” Believers boast in the sure expectation of the glory of God. They are confident, for God Himself has placed the Holy Spirit in their hearts. 

Glory is the same Greek word that is translated “rejoice” in verse 2. Believers can rejoice, glory, and boast not only in their future hope but also in their present troubles. Tribulations refers to physical hardship, suffering, and distress. Perseverance means “endurance.” Trials and tribulation produce endurance when we exercise faith during those difficult times (James 1:2, 3). Such faith produces its own reward (Matthew 5:10–12; 2 Timothy 2:12).

Perseverance produces character, the quality of being approved. As believers endure tribulation, God works in them to develop certain qualities and virtues that will strengthen them and draw them closer to Him. The result is fortified hope in God and His promises.

The hope that believers have of their future glory with God will not disappoint them by being unfulfilled. They will not be put to shame or humiliated because of their hope. 

The reason the believer can be so confident is that the love of God has been poured out. The moment a person trusts in Christ, that person receives the Holy Spirit (8:9), who constantly encourages them in their hope in God. The NKJV Study Bible

Paul has argued extensively that salvation comes only through faith. He assumes that conclusion here, using it as the starting point to expound on the implications of being declared righteous by God.

Paul uses this word peace similarly to how it is used throughout the Old Testament: to describe well-being, prosperity, safety from harm, and deliverance from enemies. This peace is more than just the absence of conflict; it is the result of having been declared righteous by faith (Ephesians 2:14–17; Colossians 1:20).

This grace in which we stand Indicates not only a past event, but also a present reality made possible by the work of Christ on the cross.

We boast refers to expressing trust in God to do what He promised. Paul uses a similar phrase to describe Abraham’s response of faith to God’s promise (Romans 4:20). Those who have faith like Abraham will not boast about their works (i.e., “good works” or “works of the law”); rather, they will boast in God’s power to provide despite human limitation and sinfulness. This stands in contrast to the idolaters (1:20–23).

Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, every believer experiences God’s love and therefore can have hope despite sufferings. Faithlife Study Bible

Romans 5:10–11 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 

Matthew 5:11–12 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Ephesians 2:18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

Hebrews 3:6 but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end

In a world where exclusion is real, I choose the Gospel: “You belong. Your humanity is not up for negotiation. Your presence does not require anyone’s permission.”
I choose to be a witness.

And in my heart, I am so grateful for all the light spilling each day from the Buddhist monks, witnesses for a world where peace is possible. As they come to the end of their the 120-day, 2,300-mile journey, let us take to heart their reflections—honoring the reality that we are all on this journey together.
“These monks walk not for themselves, but for every child who deserves a future without conflict, and for every soul seeking a moment of calm. Even our silent four-legged friend knows that peace isn’t just a word—it’s a way of moving through the world together.
When we stand together in such numbers, our collective presence becomes a ‘Golden Ripple,’ reaching even the farthest corners of the earth.
Bring your heart. Bring your hope. Let’s show the world that kindness is still the most powerful force we have.”
(Thank you, Walk for Peace) SabbathMoments 

We wait in the dawn

Until Your light is within us

Lord, let your deep joy

Shine out from our eyes

Grant that your wisdom

Will inspire us with brightness

Let the splendour of your glory

Glow out through our actions

Come and burn within us

Until we radiate your light

Capture our cold hearts

Set us ablaze with your love

Change us and we shall changed

Lord, fill us with the light of life...

David Adam

What will it take for Christians to denounce ICE and their hostile actions against their own citizens.

https://youtu.be/qUV9AiMfrs0?si=gRuq_kHGXa2uDUWp

In Washington DC, a Congressional forum by Democrats heard the testimony of Marimar Maria Martinez, a Chicago-based woman, who was shot by a Border Patrol Agent during a vehicle incident in Brighton Park late last year.

Psalm 94:19-23 They gather against the innocent…The Lord shall cut them off.

Psalm 50:16

But to the wicked God says:

“What right have you to declare My statutes,

Or take My covenant in your mouth,

Jesus wept! Carla

Psalm 94:19-23

19 In the multitude of my anxieties within me,

Your comforts delight my soul.

20 Shall the throne of iniquity, which devises evil by law,

Have fellowship with You?

21They gather together against the life of the righteous,

And condemn innocent blood.

22 But the Lord has been my defense,

And my God the rock of my refuge.

23 He has brought on them their own iniquity,

And shall cut them off in their own wickedness;

The Lord our God shall cut them off. NKJ

Psalm 94:19-23

19 When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.

20 Can a corrupt throne be allied with you— a throne that brings on misery by its decrees?

21 The wicked band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.

22 But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.

23 He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness; 

the Lord our God will destroy them. NIV

Psalm 94:19-23

When cares increase within me,

your comfort gives me joy.

20 Can unjust judges be your allies,

those who create burdens by decree,

21 Those who conspire against the just

and condemn the innocent to death?

22 No, the LORD is my secure height,

my God, my rock of refuge,

23 Who will turn back their evil upon them

and destroy them for their wickedness.

Surely the LORD our God will destroy them! 

USCCB United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Who will rise up for me is an appeal to the Lord who alone is the sure defense of the believer. The psalmist exclaims that if the Lord had not delivered him, he would have died. As in Psalm 6, if the psalmist had died, his voice would no longer be able to praise God in the temple. The comforts of God extend from His hearing the call of the righteous to His meeting their needs even when they are not aware of them.

Throne of iniquity is a description of the wicked who have great power. The holy Lord cannot tolerate evil in His presence. The Lord … shall cut them off: Final judgment will one day come to the wicked. The NKJV Study Bible

The psalmist finds encouragement in God’s comfort.

One that forms trouble based on statute focuses on corrupt legislation.

The psalmist portrays the injustice against the innocent in the strongest possible terms: The Hebrew phrase used here, dam naqi, literally means “innocent blood.”

In my rock of refuge the psalmist uses the metaphors in this verse to emphasize Yahweh’s strength against the wicked. He will repay on them. The psalmist envisions a symmetry between the crimes of the wicked rulers and their punishment. He will destroy them. The Hebrew word used here, tsamat, emphasizes the certainty of the future destruction of the wicked rulers. Faithlife Study Bible

Psalm 58:2

No, in heart you work wickedness;

You weigh out the violence of your hands in the earth.

Matthew 27:4

saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.”

And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!”

Psalm 106:38

And shed innocent blood,

The blood of their sons and daughters,

Whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan;

And the land was polluted with blood.

Psalm 18:2

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;

My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;

My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.