Rivertree Christian Chapel

Romans 12:18-21 reminds us, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” This call to peace is an invitation and a profound challenge, urging us to become beacons of hope even amidst despair.

Living at peace doesn’t mean ignoring the pain or the chaos; instead, it’s about choosing to respond with love and understanding. When we witness the heartbreaking aftermath of gun violence, we are called not only to mourn but also to act. No matter how small, each act of kindness becomes a seed planted in the soil of our shared humanity. In the aftermath of violence, we can choose to rise and extend our hands in compassion.

The passage also encourages us to “overcome evil with good.” This is a radical notion, like turning the tide of a mighty river. It invites us to respond to hatred not with retaliation but with grace. For instance, consider community initiatives that promote healing—support groups for victims, outreach programs that provide resources for mental health, and efforts aimed at dismantling the cycle of violence through education and engagement. Each step taken in love becomes a ripple, spreading hope across the waters of despair.

As we gather to support those affected, we become the hands and feet of peace, embodying a love that transcends our differences. Imagine a community where we build bridges of understanding instead of walls. Where empathy replaces judgment, and solidarity becomes our strength.

In these efforts, we remember that our fight is not against flesh and blood but against the forces that seek to divide us. By embracing our shared humanity, we can respond to the darkness with the light of hope, forging a path toward a future where every life is valued, and every person feels safe. Let us be the peace gardeners, nurturing a world where love flourishes and healing blossoms, transforming sorrow into strength, one compassionate act at a time.

In our communities, we often see people struggling to climb the steep, rocky mountains of adversity. They are weighed down by injustices that seem impossible. We must confront these challenges from the top down and the bottom up. It’s essential to stand against the political and social structures perpetuating inequity and unite our voices against the injustices hindering progress. Like a mighty river that carves through stone, our collective action can reshape the landscape of our society.

But we can’t stop there. We also need to reach out to those at the foot of the mountain—the weary souls who feel forgotten and defeated. Jesus calls us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and care for the brokenhearted. When we extend our hands to the least of these, we are not merely performing acts of charity but embodying Christ’s love. In Matthew 25:40, He reminds us that when we serve others, we serve Him. This is where our faith becomes tangible, where hope ignites like a flame in the darkness.

Imagine a community where each person reaches back to uplift another. Picture the impact of a kind word, a shared meal, or a listening ear. When we lend a hand, we help others find their footing on the mountain, enabling them to rise and reclaim their strength. We become the hands and feet of Jesus, showing that love is not just a sentiment but a powerful force for change.

As we fast and pray, let’s shed our inertia and embody the active love God calls us to. Let’s be the change-makers, the hope-givers, and the champions for justice. We can climb the mountain together for ourselves and God’s beloved children. The journey begins with us—let’s step forward in faith, breaking the chains that bind us and lifting each other toward the heights of hope and healing.

In last week’s reflection, we heard the call to a deeper kind of fasting—a fast that transcends mere abstention from food. Isaiah 58:5-6 invites us to embrace a life marked by compassion, justice, and genuine care for one another. The journey resonates with the struggles of our lives, much like the climbers on a daunting mountain, each facing unique challenges.

Imagine the first group of climbers, the elite, who navigate the path easily. They receive accolades and privileges but often overlook those behind them in their ascent. Focusing solely on our achievements can be tempting, forgetting that true fulfillment lies in lifting others as we rise. When we reach out, sharing our blessings and resources, we reflect the heart of God—a heart that beats for justice and love.

Then there’s the middle group, moving forward with determination yet weighed down by the burdens of daily life. They embody resilience, pushing through the mundane and often unjust realities. They remind us to pause and appreciate the small victories—each step taken amid uncertainty is an act of faith. God sees their struggle and honors their perseverance. In these moments of steadfastness, we discover the power of community, where each member’s support is integral. By supporting one another, we create a tapestry of hope woven together by shared experiences and mutual encouragement.

Lastly, we come to the stragglers who stumble along the path, facing physical, emotional, and societal barriers. They may feel invisible, yet their journey is sacred. Isaiah’s words remind us to break the chains of injustice, to provide shelter for the weary, and to extend a hand to the oppressed. When we embrace those who struggle, we help them find their footing and ignite a spark of hope within our communities.

In this divine invitation to true fasting, we are called to embody love in action. Let us be the ones who look back, who lift others, and who take responsibility for creating spaces where every soul can thrive. Together, we can climb this mountain as individuals and as a united family, embodying God’s compassion and justice. In doing so, we discover that hope is not a distant peak but a journey we share, hand in hand.